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Vacation In Europe - Advice To Getting A Best Villa Hire - Travel Europe

2011-02-18T22:19:00.000-08:00

Vacation In Europe - Advice To Getting A Best Villa Hire - Travel Europe

Train tours in the America - Trip Planner - Plan your Trip Perfectly

2011-01-30T23:16:00.000-08:00

Train tours in the America - Trip Planner - Plan your Trip Perfectly

Top 7 Things You Should Know About Credit Card Balance Transfer

2009-09-16T19:56:00.000-07:00

Credit card balance transfer is a great way of consolidating your credit card debt, and also finding a way of avoiding the terrible burden that debt can bring. Transfer offers are in high demand and many credit card issuers highlight their balance transfer features up front as part of their overall advertising package. These days the credit card companies are in heavy competition with each other to get your business.

But have you ever considered the dream ticket of always having an interest free credit card at all times, no matter what the circumstances? Well here is a check list of seven things you must do in order to get the best out of it.

1. Always make sure that your credit card balance transfers are carried out on time and with no overlap periods from one card to the next, which will cost you money in nasty interest charges. Make allowances for delays in the post when notifying banks and credit card companies by mail, and also note that different banks will move at different speeds when responding to requests.

2. Make sure that 0 balance transfer credit card offers are always current and available at the time you apply. There's no point in making a mental note of an offer and then applying for it after it has expired.

3. Interest free balance transfer credit cards must be exactly that; be careful and look out for any hidden charges in the small print. A 0 APR credit card should be exactly what it says it is.

4. The type of card to transfer balances from is crucial. Store cards tend to have a higher rate of APR than normal credit cards, so consider transferring all these balances on one or more low interest card. You can end up saving a substantial amount of money. Proper use of the credit card balance transfer feature can be useful and convenient, and a vital way of avoiding credit card debt.

5. Trust your source. A low interest credit card or 0 interest credit card should be easy to identify, preferably from a source where you are able to make comparisons between different types of card. Ideally you should deal with a source which is impartial and which does not promote one credit card or bank over another. Also, your source should provide easy to read and understand comparative charts to help you make such decisions swiftly, without undue pressure, and without any fear of being misled.

6. Keep a note of the exact date of when your 0 interest period finishes, and apply for your new credit card balance transfer at least two weeks before that date.

7. Try and ensure that your interest free credit card balance transfer facility is flexible and quick. At present it is the norm to put details of your credit balance transfers in writing at the time of application. Bear in mind that both parties need to know what is going on at the same time. Make it easy for everyone, including yourself.

Choose Your Own Headboard Designs

2009-09-11T05:33:00.002-07:00

Everyone has different stylistic ideas and desires, and these come out most easily in bedroom designs. One way that a number of people choose to express themselves is through the choice of headboards that make the focal point on the beds. Some people choose to keep the design minimalistic and simple, while others opt for extravagant pieces that stand out regardless of the additional décor in the room. Unfortunately, some people don't realize that there is a style of headboard out there for them and forego this huge element in their bedroom, leaving it with an empty or unfinished appearance.

Rest assured, there is a headboard out there for any bedroom. If you can't find the perfect design style immediately, there are always other options. You may want to start by looking at something basic and versatile, like wrought iron headboards, that fit into any basic theme you may create in your bedroom space. These can be left blank to hold their own focus, or you can dress them up with additional fabrics and décor to weave them into the design of the room more wholly.

Leather headboards can create a sophisticated look for your bedroom area, making it look expensive and tasteful. They really draw attention to themselves as the center focus of the room, so other elements don't need to be as strong as with some other styles. Many of these headboards are large and imposing, though, so if you are a minimalist, this type of headboard is probably not the number one option for you. You might want to consider something smaller and less dominating of the space.

If you are really having trouble finding your style, consider purchasing a blank slate. If you take a simple wooden or particleboard headboard and purchase the material of your choice along with some cotton batting, you can create upholstered headboards that are customized to your liking. That way, you can match it perfectly to the rest of the room, and you can rest assured that you will really like the design. Also, if you ever tire of the look, you can remove the current upholstery and recover the headboard to match your new style. It's a simple process that doesn't take long and only requires a good staple gun and a pair of scissors to remove excess cloth.

If all else fails, you can work with something function, like bookcase headboards. These will surround the bed and give you quite a bit of storage space for anything from books and magazines to a telephone and photo frames that are to be displayed in your bedroom. The only real downside to this kind of headboard is the need to dust it frequently, since the shelving is exposed. However, if you just brush over it daily with a duster, it will not become a painful chore. Best of all, you not only have a headboard that is a great focal point but also lots of space for other things that you keep in your bedroom.

Simple Autumn Room Decorating Tips

2009-09-11T05:33:00.001-07:00

When we think of autumn, a small palette of colors springs to mind. Colors like pumpkin, deep gold, and rust. The colors we associate with this season come straight from the harvest. Why not jazz up your traditional fall displays with something unexpected? A deep pumpkin color looks dramatic with an infusion of eggplant or a fresh apple green. Apple red along with the warm gold adds fun to your tabletop display, centerpiece, or porch vignette.

For the dining room table or sideboard, think outside the box. We tend to create and choose table decorations and vignettes that conform to a square or circle shape. Some of the most dramatic tabletop decorating travels down an imaginary center line of the table, and leads your eye to the other end. Tabletop candleholders are popular right now in long horizontal shapes. A simple holder in a dark finish of wood or metal would look wonderful with assorted Autumn-hued silk foliage running casually alongside it. If you love the look of hurricane lamps, use three or four, instead of one, then add your autumn foliage at the bases, for a casual "I just carried this in from the outdoors" look.

Don't stop yourself after simply decorating a dining room table for the season. Look around your house for other opportunities to celebrate the harvest season. Fall colors can be added with guest towels, kitchen towels, or a bowl of seasonal fruit on your kitchen counter. Guest soaps, lotions, and candles, can be purchased in the delicious scents of autumn. A trio of pumpkins in various sizes, set on your fireplace hearth, gives a cozy feeling. A great visual trick of decorating is to display items in odd numbers, and to vary the size as much as possible. Also, choosing a few larger accessories or decorations, rather than several small ones, makes a stronger statement and gives you less clutter. If you already have a collection of small autumn decorations, display them as a set with one large anchor piece, instead of spreading them around the room, for maximum impact!

Autumn is a wonderful time for decorating your porch. Wonderfully large mums in containers are available at a variety of garden stores and farm stands right now. Don't be content with a few beautiful plants. Create a vignette. Along with your fall plants, add a ceramic container in a complimentary color (remember those lively greens or a deep eggplant!). An autumn-hued door garland and wreath say, "Welcome." My favorite fall wreaths have unexpected touches of color, a variety of materials, and sometimes a hint of shimmer. A gorgeous fall wreath with puffs of dried hydrangea, or faux pomegranates stand out on any door. A variety of seasonal doormats are available, as well, to complete the look. If you have been thinking of painting your front door, now is a great time to do it! Choose a color that gives your entry character, and makes a great backdrop for your seasonal decorations. Your front entry should make you smile every time you walk up to your door. Decorating for the seasons is a wonderful tradition that celebrates the change of seasons, and the cycle of life.

Time Need To Build A New House

2009-09-11T05:33:00.000-07:00

It is really hard to put a certain time on when your project will be finished. There are so many different factors that can extend or shorten the process by months. However, there should always be a period of six months that can go either way from unexpected delays or events. While building you could run across a huge road bump that you didn't plan, you need to be aware of this and know its part of building a home. What if some of your supplies don't arrive on time, or maybe your workers didn't show up for work. This things happen all the time and will slow down your building speed.

When building your new home the best thing to do is be patient and flexible. If you become short tempered and frustrated with other people it will not make for a good working environment. As a result, this can actually lengthen the project time because you will have angry contract workers who won't want to do any work. Remember this is the home you want to stay in and enjoy for your retirement. Try to take that relaxed mindset into the building process, keep everything cool even when unexpected plans happen. If everything is rushed and not properly thought out you will run into problems with your home later on. Poor and half effort work results in a badly built home.

With that being said it is still fine to get an estimated time frame for your project. Here are some things you need to consider to decide an get an educated guess on how long it will take you to make your home:

---Finding your property. The time for you to get your land will all depend on how fast you find something you like and the property owner. Some times it may take years before you find that perfect piece of land you were always looking for. Often once the land has been purchased, you may not have permission to built for months. This process can take anywhere from months to years.

---Designing your home. As you can imagine there is no set time for your designing decisions. You could pick something really fast or you could take months to really find the perfect style you want your home to look like. Most designs must be spent in for approval before you can even start so keep that in mind.

---Building. Once you have everything set up and planned out you need to start the building process. This period will all depend on how many people who you have working on the home and what the size of the home will be. It makes sense that the more people you have working on the home the faster it will be done.

---Moving in. This time period is entirely up to you.

So the exact time period is very hard to set. The best way to complete your project as fast as possible is to have everything planned out before. This lowers the risk of mistakes and setbacks.

How To Pay Off Student Loan Debt In An Easy Way

2009-09-06T23:24:00.002-07:00

Most students take out student loans to cover the various expenses associated with a university or college education. However, the real problem starts once the student leaves college and starts working. The student loans that helped the student financially during his college days end up feeling like a burden that never eases.

A college graduate who has managed to secure a high paying job will be the only one who will be able to repay the loans without any problems. Others would face difficulty. However, you do not need to be in this situation. If you plan now, you can shoulder the burden of repaying the loans once you graduate. Here are some simple ways to pay off your student loan debt without causing yourself any stress.

? While most college freshmen do not think about the future, it is necessary to take steps from the very first year. Think about opting for a part time job and instead of spending all the money on enjoying yourself, save a portion each month. This saved money could be more than enough to pay off the loan once you leave college.

? Make sure you conduct a thorough research before taking out a student loan. This way you will have greater understanding of the payment plan, what your options are as a borrower and what are your rights. You may be required to contact the lender to discuss deferment options but make sure that you do not default on the repayments as it will adversely affect your credit rating.

? Make sure you have working knowledge of financial aid. This will enable you to apply for scholarships. Check out the financial aid office in your college and see whether you can get a scholarship. Also, apply for as many federal grants as possible as so that your dependence on private student loans becomes less. The federal government allows deferred loan repayment and if you can get a subsidized federal loan, nothing like it.

4 Things You Should Know About Bank Repossessed Cars

2009-09-06T23:24:00.001-07:00

The reason why the number of people looking for bank repossessed cars is really unknown, but the place where people can find them is something that people can learn more on.

First,Most of the time, these bank repossessed cars are sold during auctions - whether it be a public or a dealer's auction. If it is your first time joining in auctions like these, you can get to know about the schedules on local newspapers. Conveniently, you can also find out about these auctions through actual banks. You can inquire by calling them and asking about the necessary details. This is probably the most convenient method because you can do it even when you are just in the confines of your own home.

Second,Another convenient method that one can use to find out about the auctions selling these mentioned cars. Even though most online sites require a specific membership fee, you are guaranteed to hear the latest information about the auctions available.

The third thing that people should know when buying bank repossessed cars is that they are not buying brand new cars. Given this fact, they should be careful in choosing the car that they are going to buy. They must first research about the history of the car; how the previous owner took care and maintained the car that you are interested in. A vehicle history report comes in handy during times like this because you will know the damages and repairs done to the car when it still belonged to its previous owner. This is a very convenient way to make sure that your money will not be put to waste by buying the care that you are interested in.

Forth,It is also safe to set a specific budget so that you can weigh your options properly when you are already there in the auction. Taking into consideration all the accessories and features included with the car is also a good move because this way, you will be able to truly gauge your budget fairly.

Even though many people feel that these kinds of cars are not a good buy, you can still make the most out of them. These bank repossessed cars become very handy and convenient when you are conscious about the amount of money that you are going to spend for it and when you are fully aware of the important information you need when buying one.

Quickly Guides To Make Your Kitchen Green

2009-09-01T21:50:00.000-07:00

If you’re building a new home or updating an older one and want to go green wherever you can, you’ve got more options than ever in eco-chic materials for countertops, flooring and cabinets. Here’s a quick guide to eco-friendly kitchen materials — including five favorites of eco-design experts, plus top materials to avoid.

Thumbs Up: 5 Eco-Optimal Options

1.Recycled glass: “Recycled glass is one of my favorite things to use for countertops,” says environmental design consultant Michelle Bexelius. “It’s so beautiful and comes in so many colors.” Look for glass tile that is 100 percent recycled, either from post-industrial or post-consumer sources.

2.PaperStone: It’s a pretty cool concept — paper that’s pressed into a stonelike material. It’s strong and workable like stone, but made from recycled paper. PaperStone comes in various colors and uses no petroleum products. “I really love this stuff,” Bexelius says. It’s ideal for countertops — or anywhere else you would use stone. Find a dealer through Paperstoneproducts.net

3.Bamboo: Don’t be fooled by bamboo’s stick-like appearance in the forest — it’s an extremely hard and durable material that's ideal for countertops, cabinets or flooring. Bamboo's eco-friendly status comes from the fact that it’s a completely renewable resource — it grows amazingly fast. Also check out other sustainably harvested wood flooring options, such as cork oak.

4.Marmoleum: This natural flooring material is made from linseed oil, wood flour, rosin, jute and limestone. “It’s a great alternative to traditional linoleum flooring,” says Bexelius.

5.Natural plaster: Skip the dry-wall mud and the VOCs (volatile organic compounds) found in conventional paints. This fume-free wall finishing alternative, also known as earth plaster, is made from natural clay and pigments in a range of earthy colors. It goes directly on almost any material including dry wall, wood, adobe, straw bale or masonry. You can texture it as you like or leave it smooth. Either way you get an organic-looking finished effect that's far more interesting than the homogeneous wall mud sold at home improvement stores.

Thumbs Down: 4 Materials to Avoid

1.Particleboard: “Do not use particleboard for cabinets,” cautions Debra Lynn Dadd, author of "Home Safe Home: Creating a Healthy Home Environment by Reducing Exposure to Toxic Household Products." “It emits formaldehyde, which can make your eyes water and cause rashes.” It’s also a suspected human carcinogen. Cabinet-grade plywood is a better alternative, and custom-made solid wood cabinets (preferably reclaimed wood) are the best option, Dadd says.

2.Imported Materials: “Try to source materials as locally as possible,” Dadd says. The material itself isn’t usually the problem; after all, products like marble and granite are natural stone — usually a good choice. “But it’s all about how you get it here,” she says. Shipping granite from Italy, for example, uses a tremendous amount of fuel and other resources. Check with local kitchen remodeling stores and services to see if they have some decent-sized hunks of scrap stone that can work for your project.

3.Toxic glues, grouts and stains: Even the most eco-friendly product gets tainted if high-VOC products are used to adhere or finish it. Follow the process through and make sure you specify low-VOC products. Ask your builder or your local hardware store about the most environmentally friendly options, such as nontoxic glues, low-VOC tile adhesive and polymer-free grout. Using polymers does help prevent mold, so be sure to use an eco-friendly sealant in their place. And use natural materials — like beeswax to seal bamboo — whenever possible, Bexelius says.

4.Wood from non-sustainable forests: Hardwood is a wonderful natural material, but deforestation concerns make it important to do your homework. Contact the lumberyard, the manufacturer or your contractor and start asking questions. “Be your own reporter; find out if the wood is coming from a sustainably managed forest,” Bexelius says. “Are the trees being replanted? If not, don’t buy it.”

5 Tips To Choose Right Bathroom Sink

2009-08-31T18:49:00.001-07:00

Bathroom sink is used for bunch of activities throughout the day like washing hands, brushing teeth in the morning and night, grooming, shaving etc. Aside from this, it can amazingly change the whole look of your bathroom.

Bathroom sink comes in very wide variety of shapes, designs, colors and price range. It could be daunting task to buy one if you have not prepared yourself in advance. Here are some tips to prepare you in choosing the appropriate sink for your bathroom.

1- The very first thing you need to do is to decide your limitations. To decide your limitations, you need to set budget. Like I said before, sinks comes in every price range depending on the quality and design. Deciding budget helps you in choosing the appropriate sink that matches the theme of your bathroom within your limit.

2- Decide which type of sink you want to buy. There are so many different type of sinks available like Pedestal sink, console sink, wall mounted sink, basin sink, vessel sink and utility sink. Each sink has his own characteristics and benefits. Choose one which can be easily installed in your bathroom.

3- Bathroom sinks comes in a very wide variety of materials. There are glass sinks which are being made with glass. Then there are stainless steel sinks, ceramic based material sinks, enameled cast iron sinks and solid surface material sinks. Decide which material sink works best in your bathroom.

4- Some commonly used bathroom cleaners may not be compatible with all sink materials. Don't just assume that the sink material you have chosen can be cleaned by any sort of chemical cleaner. Glass sinks are high maintenance sinks whereas wood sinks can be cleaned easily. Get detailed knowledge about care requirement of particular sink before buying.

5- Consult with a professional about which sink you should buy. A professional bathroom designer has so many years of experience. He can give you detailed information about the pros and cons of each type of bathroom sink. He can give you valuable suggestions on choosing the right bathroom sink within your budget.

12 Tips For You To Keep Your House Clean All The Time

2009-08-29T22:30:00.000-07:00

Have you ever thrown your hands up in the air and cried out, “When is there ever time to get this house clean?” Work, kids, grocery shopping, and other obligations tend to take center stage to keeping your house clean; it’s a never ending process. If you’re married and both you and your spouse work, you are both tired at the end of the day and then you have to fix dinner, help the kids with homework, wash the dishes; it’s a vicious cycle and although you do your best, your house cleaning never seems to get the full attention you need to give to it.

If you want to get this burden off your shoulders you have to start somewhere. The first thing you do is make a list of everything you want done. If you have a list, it’s hard to ignore it. After you have made your endless list prioritize the list; what needs to be done first and what are the most important things you need to do.

Now you have your list; this is what you do to get your house clean and keep it clean.

•1 Dedicate two full days that you are off of work and start working through your list. Granted, you will have a lot of work to do, but if you have a spouse or children old enough, give them an item or two from your list to complete. Unless your house is a complete disaster, two days should be sufficient time to get through your list; especially if you have help. That was the hard part; the next steps are how you can keep your house clean.

•2 Don’t procrastinate. If you have laundry to do, just do it. Wash the clothes, dry the clothes, fold them, and then put them away. I suggest you do at least one load a day. Again, if you have a spouse and children to help you, teach them how to do the laundry and make it their daily chore to do so.

•3 Get rid of unneeded items. If you are a pack-rat and keep every single thing you’ve ever gotten, you need a 12 step program to help you detach. This goes for every room in the house. If you have clothes hanging in your closet that you haven’t worn in over a year, get rid of them. If you have cookware, silver wear, dishes, and utensils you never or seldom use, get rid of them. If you have a junk drawer go through it; if you haven’t used something from that drawer in at least three months, get rid of it. Clutter is you number one enemy. Having too much stuff makes your house feel cluttered and when your house feels cluttered it doesn’t feel clean. Get rid of anything that you don’t need or use.

•4 Invest in the swifter products; these are one of the best inventions of recent times. If you have hard wood floors, run the dust mop every other day. If you have carpet, run the vacuum at least twice a week if not more. Get in a routine that you dust one day and vacuum the next.

•5 Don’t allow soap scum build up on your bathtub or sinks; wipe them clean every day and keep a bottle of tub and shower cleaner in the bathroom, preferably on the side of the tub. After you shower or bathe, spray the tub and wipe it down. Once you have done your initial big cleaning, taking a few minutes a day to wipe down your bath tub and sinks will be a breeze. Clean the toilet bowl every day. I suggest you use one of those foaming products that you pour into the toilet bowl which then foams up. I always do this before I go to bed and when I get up in the morning I just use the toilet scrubber and it’s clean. Make sure you wipe down the outside of the bowl as well; germs are everywhere.

•6 Make it a habit to take your shoes off at the front door when you come home. Have a pair of slippers there to put on. Doing this will keep you from tracking in dirt onto your floors or carpet.

•7 If you are noticing a lot of dust on your furniture, you may want to check your air filters; they may need replacing.

•8 If you have dishwasher unload the clean dishes in the morning and make it a rule that if somebody uses a dish they are to load it into the dishwasher. While you are cooking, clean as you cook. Don’t let dishes pile up; it is discouraging to see that mess after dinner and if you rinse your pots and pans and put them in the dishwasher as you are finished using them, this will make your evening chores so much easier. When the dishwasher is full run it.

•9 Take out the trash every day; there is nothing worse than smelly garbage.

•10 Make your bed as soon as you get up. Change the sheets once a week. I like storing my sheets in an air tight bag and placing fabric softener sheets in with them; that way your sheets always smell fresh and clean when you put a new set on your bed.

•11 Get organized. Have a place for everything and avoid piling things up on top of each other. You may want to invest in plastic storage containers and label them as you put items into the store containers.

•12 Clean up all spills immediately. That means on counter tops, on the stove, and on the floor. Keep on top of the problems and you won’t have problems keeping your house clean.

It is a tough job, especially if you are working long hours and have small children to tend to. The most important thing to do is make your list, do your initial big clean, and then stay on top of your housework chores. Make sure that everybody in the household has at least one chore to do a day and you will find that it will be much easier to keep your house clean without having to spend another two full days doing a major cleaning project.

Good Tips To Control Weeds In Your Garden

2009-08-28T18:24:00.001-07:00

Your Zen-inspired garden is peaceful. A bubbling pond provides soothing sounds and smooth river-polished stones present a sculptural background for graceful plants and grasses. Wind chimes play in the breeze. But wait! Where did those weeds come from? How did they burst through several inches of rock? Weeds are tenacious, and if you're concerned about waging war against weeds with clouds of chemicals, using landscape cloth may be the answer for controlling weeds in your garden.

A Little Work Now Can Prevent Weeds Later
Landscape cloth is widely available at lawn and garden centers, home and garden shows and home improvement retailers. It is a tightly woven fabric that permits water drainage, but prevents weeds from sprouting through it. Here are some tips for installing landscape cloth:

--Prepare the soil in the area you're landscaping: Rototilling, leveling, add soil amendments as necessary.

--Place the landscaping cloth over the soil. Even out wrinkles and trim if necessary. Secure the landscape cloth with the stakes supplied for this purpose.

--For planting, cut an "x" shape just large enough to accommodate each plant. Try to avoid any gaps or large openings in the landscape cloth. Drip lines can be installed on top of the landscape cloth.

--When your plantings are in place, you can cover the landscape cloth with mulch, stones, or gravel. Water well, and enjoy your new garden.

Landscape cloth is made to enhance your lawn and gardens in various ways. It can also be used to secure soil and plantings on slopes. Consult your local nursery or landscape specialist for advice on using landscape cloth for challenging locations.

7 Guides to Protect Trees During Rebuilding

2009-08-25T18:33:00.001-07:00

Planning is essential when doing construction near mature trees because any change in environment causes stress on trees. While keeping the trunk and branches of the trees safe from harm is obvious, the most significant damage can be to the tree's roots. Roots provide the nutrients a tree needs and anchors the tree in the ground. Here's some ways to protect trees during construction.

Step 1 Prune dead limbs and broken branches to maintain tree health during construction. Water the entire root zone and use a good fertilizer to sustain the tree's strength.

Step 2 Place a root protection zone border around each tree. The width of the zone depends on the size of the tree. A good rule of thumb is 2 or 3 feet beyond the drip zone, the point where water drips from the tree's branches. Use caution tape, wooden stakes or other barriers to mark the border and post "protected tree" signs.

Step 3 Limit access to the trees to avoid dirt compacting around the roots. Find alternate routing for heavy equipment or build bridges over the tree root zone for trucks and other traffic near the trees.

Step 4 Move fill-dirt around carefully. Adding just 2 to 6 inches of soil can cause serious damage. Extra soil adds weight which smothers roots. Additional soil also changes the drainage around the tree.

Step 5 Tunnel under roots or use an auger instead of digging trenches for utilities. Use hand tools if you must to dig in the tree's root system. If is necessary to dig through roots, avoid cutting those over 1 inch in diameter and immediately cover exposed roots.

Step 6 Remove as few trees as possible. Remaining trees are exposed to elements they have not encountered before. Increased exposure to sun, wind and snow will affect the trunk and crown of a tree.

Step 7 Leave the natural contour and shape of the land near a tree as undisturbed as possible. Grade changes can affect how the tree functions and may lead to root destabilization.

Clean a Fabric Lampshade With These 10 Easy Tips

2009-08-24T18:46:00.001-07:00

Lampshades can get quite dirty and dusty and eventually they become a bit of an eye-sore if you don't dust them regularly. Eventually it's a case of get them clean (and save money) or replace them.

The process below works best for silk, rayon or nylon shades. Linen, cotton and any hand painted shades don't take well to being dipped in water - but then what have you got to lose if your lamp shades are now past their best? You may as well give it a try before you give up and buy new.

If you have an antique or valuable lampshade however then don't try to clean it yourself - you need a specialist cleaner for this. Some dry cleaners may be able to assist you though I must admit my local dry cleaner is reluctant to take anything without a care label so you may have to search for a real expert.

To clean a fabric lampshade yourself:

1. Remove the shade from the lamp then use a dry cloth or vacuum brush to clean the surface of the lamp shade inside and out of any dust.

2. Remove the trim from the lampshade if this is not be washable or if the color may run into the shade itself and wash separately (if it is washable).

3. Fill a sink or bathtub with warm water deep enough to submerge the lamp shade completely. Add some mild detergent - the kind used to hand wash delicate silk and woolen garments is best.

4. Submerge the lampshade in the warm soapy water and use a soft cloth or brush and some extra soap to gently run any particularly dirty areas or dirt spots.

5. Gently swish the lampshade up and down through the soapy water

6. Empty out the soapy water and refill the basin with clean warm water. Rinse the shade

7. If the shade is particularly dirty repeat steps 4 and 5

8. Leave the shade to dry naturally where air can circulate to prevent rusting of the frame. Although the fabric may appear to stretch when wet it will usually tighten up and return to its original state (though cleaner!) as it dries.

9. Reattach the old trim with a few stitches around the lamp or by gluing in place with non-flammable glue. If the old trim is detracting from the splendor of your now-clean lamp shade think about re-trimming your lamp with ribbon, braid, beads or fringing.

10. I have seen a household tip once where someone cleaned a lampshade with a piece of soft white bread - rolling the bread into a doughy ball and then running it over the surface of the shade. I haven't tried this myself so though I can imagine it being reasonably effective you may want to try it on a lamp shade that doesn't matter to you. Or if the dirt is not too ingrained try a lint roller which is great on dust.

25 Guides To Make Your Moving Easily and Organized

2009-08-24T18:37:00.001-07:00

Worried because you're moving soon? This really doesn't have to be a stressful, chaotic time. Here are some tips to help you achieve a successful, organized move.

1. USE A MOVING CHECKLIST.

Make yourself a moving checklist outlining everything that needs to be done before, and after, your move.

2. LEAVE IT BEHIND.

Avoid moving anything you don't really need. It is expensive, time-consuming, and physically unnecessary to move things you won't be using. If you don't use it now, you most likely won't use it later.

3. GET RID OF CLUTTER.

Dispose of broken tools, old toys, old clothing and other items that you no longer need, before you move. Give usable items to charity or hold a garage sale.

4. DON'T SKIMP ON YOUR MOVING SERVICE.

Choose an experienced moving firm with an established reputation for good service and reliability. Choosing someone that is unreliable or inexperienced will waste more time and money than you can imagine.

5. ENLIST ANY HELP YOU CAN GET.

You will get a lot more done, with some family members and friends helping you pack and/or unpack. If your children are old enough, they should be helping too.

6. BOX IT.

Get boxes in assorted sizes. Be sure they're clean, in good condition and have covers so they can be closed and sealed with tape. Start collecting them from your local merchants, or purchase them from your moving company. Liquor boxes are excellent. They are sturdy and contain dividers making them ideal for packing glasses, goblets, vases, etc.--but make sure these boxes have lids. By the way, an easy way to store boxes so they do not take up storage space is to open both ends and flatten them out. Cartons can be resealed with tape as you use them.

7. USE THE A-B-C SYSTEM.

Everything you pack does not have to be unpacked the first day in your new home. If it contains essential items, mark it PRIORITY A. If the contents are important, but not crucial, mark the box PRIORITY B. If the box contains out of season items, holiday items and other things you won't need right away, mark the box PRIORITY C. Then, unpack in A, B, C order.

8. WRAP IT.

You will need plenty of wrapping paper and heavy- duty tape. Anything wrapped in newsprint will most likely be soiled from the ink and will require cleaning after unpacking. Movers use unprinted newsprint. For items you prefer to keep clean, you can purchase this packing paper from your mover. Kraft paper, tissue paper and shock- resistant corrugated paper make excellent wrapping materials and may be purchased at most major department stores, craft stores or your mover. These papers also make excellent cushioning and lining material.

9. MARK IT.

Felt pens are ideal for marking boxes with information such as its contents, destination room, fragile or this side up.

10. LABEL IT.

As you're packing, place removable, colored, circle stickers on your boxes to easily distinguish kitchen items, from bedroom items, from bathroom items, etc. Use a different color for each room. If necessary, make a master list so you'll know what is in each box. If you can go to your new home ahead of time, you may wish to stick a corresponding colored sticker on the door, or door frame, of the room that the box will be delivered to.

11. LIGHTEN UP.

Cartons can be handled easier if they do not exceed 50 lbs., fully packed. Keep this in mind when you're packing.

12. ROOM BY ROOM.

Pack on a room-by-room basis, keeping the contents of each room in separate boxes. This will eliminate confusion and save time when you're unpacking.

13. PACK EARLY.

Even if you only pack two boxes a day, in thirty days you will have packed sixty boxes. Start in areas where the goods are not in frequent use such as the cellar, attic, garage, etc.

14. ORDER ADDRESS LABELS.

Order address labels before you move into your new home. They will be great to have on hand when you need to indicate a change of address on anything. Leave a few behind with the people who move into your old home or apartment so they can forward anything that gets delivered to them for you. Give them a few bucks to cover any postage costs.

15. MAKE A SURVIVAL KIT.

Make a survival kit for your first night in your new home. This should include items that will get you through the night if it's too late to unpack or the movers didn't show up. Helpful items to include might be: non-perishable food, can opener, paper plates, plastic utensils, bottled water, a flashlight, a few towels, sheets, toiletries, a blanket, toilet paper, pen/paper, a few small games or magazines and a change of clothes for everyone.

16. HAVE SOMEONE WATCH THE KIDS.

If you have children, especially young children, it might be a good idea to have someone babysit them while you are doing anything that involves your move, such as packing, unpacking, etc. Your kids won't be interrupting your progress and you'll accomplish more.

17. USE THE ONE ROOM RULE.

Set up ONE room in your new home as quickly as possible. This way, you'll have a quiet retreat, free of boxes. You and your family will then have a place to go when you need a break from all of the unpacking activities.

18. MAKE IT PET SAFE.

If you have pets, be sure you have a plan for when the movers arrive. Perhaps keep your cats in the bathroom with the litter box, or put your dogs in a fenced in yard. Also, take care to do what you can so your pets feel comfortable in your new home. Bring their favorite toys, give them attention, and don't leave them alone for long periods of time for the first few days.

19. MAKE THE FIRST NIGHT SPECIAL.

Make the first night in your new home as special as possible. It can be take-out Chinese food, or pizza, but you may sweeten the evening with flowers, candles and music. It will really make a big difference and will help you to unwind and de-stress.

20. DEVISE A PLAN.

Before you begin unpacking randomly, sit down with your family. Discuss a plan, including where things will go, who is responsible for what, etc. It will help things run smoothly.

21. HAVE A TOOL KIT ON HAND.

One of the most important things to have on hand when you're setting up your new home is a basic toolbox that includes basic tools and hardware, such as a hammer, screwdrivers, nails, hooks, etc.

22. FUNCTION BEFORE FORM.

It is best to first arrange your furniture, and then unpack accessories and personal items.

23. GET READY FOR BED.

As soon as the bedroom furniture is delivered, set it up and put the sheets on the bed. You'll be grateful that everything is ready for sleeping later on tonight when you're really tired.

24. LET EVERYONE KNOW.

Inform everyone that you've moved with simple postcards, or e-mail for those family members who can receive it.

25. GET ACQUAINTED.

Once you arrive at your new home, schedule some get acquainted days on your calendar. This is a great time to figure out where the supermarket, bank, post office, etc. are and will give you a chance to get familiar with your area. If there is a tourist bureau in town, stop by and see what events and opportunities your town will be offering. Want to get organized? Get your FREE Get Organized Now!

Decorate Your Bathroom With A Right Mirror

2009-08-23T02:38:00.000-07:00

Choosing bathroom accessories such as knobs and robe hooks is not easy. You have a selection from Dove, Musa, Antique, Aranjeuz, Austin, Barcelona, Cabin, Belvedere, Cameo, Channel, Cannes, Catalina, Chenille and more to select. City Temple, Contessa, Cosmopolitan, Dominic, Designer, Drop and Elizabeth created a nice line of knobs and robe hooks as well.

When choosing knobs and hooks your best bet is to reduce your options. For instance, do you like gold? Do you like gold combined with chrome? Would your prefer decorative styles? Do like the mirror look? Considering your taste, style etc can help you narrow down your choice.

In addition, you want to consider your bathroom. Do you have a country setting? Do you have a regal bath? Is your bath Victorian Style? Are you purchasing knobs and hooks for a kid bathroom? What colors and patterns are in your bathroom?

If you have regal or master bathroom you may like the gold knobs and hooks. Jas has a nice line of knobs and hooks. Jas made the creative gold robe hooks, which go well with a variety of colors. You might have a wall mirror, glass cub, hooks, shelves, and racks in the background of your bath area. In this instance, I would reconsider the gold, unless you have gold trimmings around your bathroom accessories.

If you have gold trimmings, the gold will look great. If you do not have gold trimmings, you may want to add a few other bathroom items. For instance, you can purchase gold bath bars, gold-trimmed holders made of glass, gold and glass soap dish, bath tissue holders, vanity glass shelves trimmed in gold and so on. Toss in a gold towel ring and you are off to a good start.

How do I choose knobs and hooks for antique bathrooms?
If you have an antique environment, you may like Pacific"??s line of bathroom accessories. Antique shades, tones, etc could benefit from the oil rub bronze hooks. Satin nickel will also go well in antique bathrooms. Toss in a Bronze Oil Rub ring, antique white soap dish and toothbrush holder, and perhaps a vanity glass mirror and there you have it.

The rustic gold are nice items that go well in antique environments. The Antique Bronze Burn shades are nice as well. Toss in a rustic, bronze, or antique vanity glass shelf and your patterns will blend well. In addition, you can add a bath tissue holder; towel ring/bar and you are off to enhance your antique bathroom.

Aranjeuz makes a nice line of products, which you could blend in antique regions. It depends on your style, yet you could blend the gold trim with chrome polish hooks to set off an antique atmosphere. The brush nickel mixed with gold is nice as well.

How do I choose modern patterns and colors?
Dominic collections have a nice selection of hooks. You may like the chrome polished items designed by German crafters. Wind has a nice selection of modern designs as well.

How do I choose bathroom accessories for Victorian baths?

Victorian style baths often benefit from Satin Nickel shades, brass and chrome polish, and so on. Victorian style is designed to bring home legends of the past. Victorian also honors the traditional patterns. Most Victorian bathrooms can benefit from the shades listed, as well as other items that offset porcelain. If you have Victorian bath, likely you have porcelain tubs and sinks, which you want to match the colors when searching for bathroom accessories. Presently, Victorian collections have a sale, offering you up to 27% discount.

20 Interesting Facts About Mosquitoes

2009-08-15T18:58:00.000-07:00

1 The world’s largest statue of a mosquito is a roadside attraction in Komarno, Manitoba, the Mosquito Capital of Canada. (“Komarno” is Ukrainian for “mosquito.” What’s up with that?) Sculpted in 1984, it is made of steel and has a wingspan of 15 feet. It’s also a weathervane, swiveling in the wind.

2 There are more than 2,500 varieties of mosquito (some entomologists claim 3,000) whining from the Arctic tundra to the tropical rain forests. Most are active at dawn and dusk, while others enjoy midday feeding. Protein is where you find it.

3 In 1998, researchers found a new mosquito species in the London Underground, descended from ancestors that flew in when the tunnels were dug 100 years ago. Once bird-feeders, they now feast on a menu of rats, mice, and people.

4 They rarely interbreed with their aboveground colleagues. Their DNA actually varies from one subway line to another.

5 Mosquitoes do not bite, they suck.

6 It would take 1,200,000 mosquitoes, each sucking once, to completely drain the average human of blood.

7 Which seems unlikely, but then again in the Arctic, Canadian researchers who bared their arms, legs, and torsos reported as many as 9,000 bites per minute from swarming, newly hatched mosquitoes. At that rate, an individual could lose half his blood in two hours.

8 Once a feeding mosquito is full, a chemical signal shuts down the intake. When that signal is disabled in the lab, mosquitoes suck until they explode.

9 It is hard to get upset about that.

10 According to a University of Bristol study, male mosquito “ears” are packed with about as many sensory cells as human ears, helping amorous mosquito males identify and pursue passing females.

11 When a mosquito detects the whine of the opposite sex, it begins to synchronize its own pitch to match that of the potential mate. Randy males can “relate” to girl frequencies in a second or two. Females take several times longer to synchronize. This is the same with humans in a bar.

12 Mosquitoes can mate in midair, often in as little as 15 seconds from approach to fare-thee-well. There are no known instances of prior cocktails and dinner.

13 Male mosquitoes are actually sensitive vegetarians, living on nectar and plant juices. Only females drink blood, for protein to make eggs.

14 Millions of years ago, mosquitoes were three times as large as they are today.

15 Eyes occupy most of the surface of a mosquito’s head. Not eyes into which one might wish lovingly to peer, these compound-lensed organs deliver infrared images of heat patterns emanating from a body. Like the alien in Predator.

16 Mosquitoes also use your exhaled breath to track you down, especially when you sleep or have been exercising. Fortunately, they clock out at only 1.5 mph—so you can’t hide, but you can run. Unless you’re on a treadmill. Then they’ll get you.

17 Central America’s so-called Mosquito Coast (a thin strip of land along the Caribbean in Honduras and Nicaragua) is not named for the insect, but after a mispronunciation of the indigenous Miskito Indians.

18 Abuja, Nigeria, is home to the world’s biggest mosquito net, unveiled in 2000 as part of a national campaign against malaria and other insect-borne diseases. Two hundred children fit under it.

19 Millions of people alive today will die of a mosquito-transmitted disease. Malaria alone claims some 1,000,000 lives a year in Africa. Other top killers include dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile virus.

20 But they won’t die of AIDS. HIV-infected humans actually have very few virus particles in their bloodstream, and should a mosquito suck one up, it gets killed by the mosquito’s digestive system.

Save Marriage After Your Wife Has An Affair

2009-08-11T17:54:00.000-07:00

The percentage of wives who cheat on their husbands is on the rise – and in fact, some stats report than one in every three married women has had at least one extramarital affair within the first ten years of marriage. Can a marriage be saved after a wife’s infidelity? That isn’t a question that can be answered simply. It depends on the marriage. It depends on the bond between husband and wife. It depends on the effort that a couple is willing to re-invest in their relationship. And more than anything, it depends on the couple’s desire to make it work. If a husband and wife truly love each other, and they are able to see that love through the haze of hurt and betrayal, then there is a chance – a glimmer of hope – that the marriage can be saved.

Men are often raised to believe that their ego and pride are very important, and therefore, men often have an even harder time forgiving their wives for having affairs than wives have forgiving their husbands for having affairs. Women are, in general, more in touch with their emotions and more comfortable sharing their feelings than men are. Men are more disassociated from their feelings, and so they can virtually turn off their emotions of love and admiration for their wife instantly when they find out that she has been unfaithful. Men feel very disrespected and emasculated when they discover that their mate has cheated. They question their manliness and virility. They quickly project the blame inward on themselves, although outwardly, they will blame their wives. However, men who have been cheated on, just like women who have been cheated on, need to understand that they are not to blame for the infidelity.

Regardless of what marital problems may have led up to a wife’s indiscretion, the affair was her choice, and not her husband’s choice – and moreover, it was the wrong choice. Having an extramarital affair is immoral and immature. A woman who engages in an affair knows that what she is doing is wrong, but she ignores her conscience and does it anyway. Certainly, a painful and unhealthy marriage can lead a wife to contemplate leaving the marriage, but cheating is the wrong reaction to those feelings and concerns. There is not a person in the world that has an affair and thinks what they are doing is the right thing, and so it is only fair and just that a wife who cheats owns up to her mistakes and accepts responsibility and accountability for her actions.

Since men often have a hard time coping with their anger and rage when they discover infidelity, it is often helpful for couples to go to a marriage counselor right away. It is not advisable to try to diffuse the situation without professional help. Even though there are a lot of men who are uneasy and embarrassed about talking to a counselor or “shrink,” these mediators are great at helping couples to identify and work out their primary issues and conflicts. The reality of the matter is that not all men will be able to forgive their wives and save their marriages after an affair. However, if a couple feels strongly that there is something between them that is worth fighting for, they owe it to themselves and their marriage to give counseling a try.

Save Marriage After Your Husband Has An Affair

2009-08-11T17:51:00.000-07:00

It has been estimated that more than half of all husbands in the United States have had at least one extramarital affair. This is a grim statistic, and it’s a scary reality that, obviously, more than half of all wives in the United States will have to face during their marriages. Why do men cheat? There are so many reasons, and none of them are as simple as men just having higher sex drives than women or men’s mind’s being controlled by their genitals. Let’s not give those excuses any credence. Men who cheat are doing the wrong thing. Men who cheat know what they’re doing, and for some reason they go ahead and do it anyway. A man who cheats knows full well that he is putting his marriage on the line, and he accepts that possibility when he begins an affair or has a “discrete sexual encounter.”

Forgiveness is a hard concept for so many people to master in their own lives. We hold grudges and we burn bridges, just like our favorite television stars and movie heroes and heroines do. In our society, revenge is often given far more respect than forgiveness. However, a marriage is a partnership that is supposed to be based on trust and unconditional love. So if the trust is broken, does that mean that the unconditional love should go by the wayside as well? Not all marriages end as the result of infidelity. While it will certainly be a hard and bumpy road, if a husband and wife are committed to saving their marriage after an affair, it can be done.

First and foremost, the cheating husband has to take responsibility for his despicable and disrespectful actions. Regardless of whatever other marital problems a couple has, cheating was not the answer to any of them. While infidelity is often a symptom of underlying marital problems, the underlying problems do not – and will never – be an acceptable excuse for the affair. A cheating husband who tries to blame his wife for his affair is not a man who truly values his wife or wants to save his marriage. Husbands who cheat have to be accountable for their indiscretion. They have to understand that they have betrayed their vows and caused severe damage to their marital union.

Couples who want to survive an affair should not attempt getting past the event through denial. Denying that the affair happened will not work for the short term or for the long haul. You have to face the issue head-on as a couple in order to come to some sort of a resolution so that you can get your marriage back on track. Some cheating husbands attempt to woo their wives back with expensive gifts and jewelry or romantic vacations, but these are also futile techniques that are denial-based. It may be very hard to accept, but the affair happened – and you can’t turn back the clocks and go on living as if the sanctity of your marriage hasn’t been trampled on by infidelity. So many wives are so desperate to forgive their husbands and have “their life back” that they will attempt to just “get over it” without really dealing with it. This won’t help – it will only make their anger and hurt fester and grow until they explode.

Marriage counseling is very important for couples who are interested in saving their marriage after a husband’s infidelity. It helps to have an uninvolved, unbiased third party to mediate a married couple through the trials and tribulations of getting back on track after infidelity. Marriage counselors can help couples to identify the core issues in their relationship that are holding them back. If a husband is unwilling to go to a marriage counselor after having an affair, he doesn’t have the emotional maturity to deserve to be taken back.

New Home Loans

2009-08-11T01:46:00.000-07:00

With a sluggish economy, falling interest rates on mortgages, and projections for dropping home prices, it could be an excellent time to look into a home loan in 2007. According to an April report by Interest.com, fixed-rate mortgages saw a drop on 15 and 30-year interest, and so did 30-year jumbo home loans. Adjustable-rate mortgages rose slightly, but homeowners are finding refinancing rates to be comparable to last-year's interest levels.

Before taking any step to secure a home loan, it's critical to evaluate your ability to make payments. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that California foreclosures are up 802 percent, setting a ten-year high. Rising adjustable mortgage interest rates are a main cause of mortgage default when homeowners fail to plan for possible rate hikes, the Chronicle reported. That's why a mortgage calculator can be a valuable tool for anyone looking into a new home loan or mortgage refinancing.

Calculating Your Mortgage Payments
When looking into a refinancing or new home loan, you'll need to consider how confident you are in terms of future income, interest rate changes, and your ability to pay. A mortgage calculator provides a rough estimate, but you'll need to work with prospective lenders toward securing a loan that makes sense for you.

Variables in any comprehensive mortgage calculation include knowing about the community where you intend to buy or refinance an existing mortgage. You'll need to assess your outstanding debt, your gross monthly income, your future earnings, the loan amount, annual taxes and insurance, the principle balance, interest rates (if fixed) or initial rate (if adjustable), and mortgage length or loan term.

Dropping Home Prices Stimulate New Loans
Interest.com reports that housing prices are expected to decline for the second straight year -- the first time this has happened since 1968. There are predicted 2 and 3 percent drops this year, and the trend is expected to continue for at least one to three more years.

The recent collapse of high-cost subprime mortgages may mean that housing demands will drop, making new purchases affordable. As for average interest rates reported for April 2007, the fixed-rate 30-year mortgage loan was at 6.27%, down from 6.64% last year. The fixed-rate 15-year mortgage loan averaged 5.99%, compared to last year's 6.27%.

Home Design Tips In Fall

2009-08-11T01:45:00.001-07:00

An amazing ritual is once again underway. The days are getting shorter; leaves are turning brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red; and flocks of birds are making their way south. Inspired by the changes brought on by Mother Nature, people across the country are initiating changes of their own, giving their home décor a new lease on life.

According to the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), fall is one of the busiest times of year for people who work in the home decorating business. “The calls just pour in from people who want to spiff things up before the holidays,” says B.J. Peterson of the Peterson-Arce Design Group in Los Angeles. “They’re getting in the mood for entertaining, or have people coming in from out of town and want to make an impression.”

Fall isn’t only a busy time of year for interior decorators, but for arts and crafts stores as well. Do-it-yourselfers flock to stores like Michaels, the nation's largest specialty retailer of arts and crafts, not only for materials but for ideas. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a novice or an experienced crafter. Home decorating is so easy, anyone can do it, and you can find everything you need to complete a project at one of our stores,” says Laura Byrne, Director of Marketing at Michaels Arts & Crafts stores. Among the most popular do-it-yourself projects in the fall: wreaths, candlescaping, seasonal decorating and decorative painting.

Wreaths and Floral Arrangements

Creating a wreath is one of the more popular and easy crafting projects you can do this time of year. Wreaths can be round, square, or any shape you desire to complement your style. Hung from a door or a wall or placed on a tabletop, wreaths are a wonderful way to add the elements of the season to your home. Items that can be used to decorate a wreath are as limitless as your imagination. They include silk or dried flowers, fruits, vegetables, berries, ribbons, and bows. You can find everything you need to create a wreath at your local arts and crafts stores, which have a wide selection of decorative tools and embellishments. For novice wreath makers, many websites now provide step by step instructions to help you create your very own wreath. One of the newest additions to Michaels.com even includes interactive visuals to guide you through the wreath making process: www.michaels.com/easywreaths.

B.J. Peterson says one of the easiest ways to set a mood in a room is with a floral arrangement. “You can really let your imagination run wild when you create one of these,” she says. “For fall, you can use pinecones, seasonal fruit, evergreen branches, dried flowers, or even reeds to fill a vase, decorate a table or fill a corner of the room. The idea is to bring a piece of the outdoors inside.”

Candlescaping

Another popular and easy way to bring the look of fall inside is through candlescaping. At its most basic, multiple candles can be displayed on a large platter. Taken to the extreme, it can be an entire room filled with decorative candles of varying heights, sizes and shapes, filling the space with soft, warm light, creating a cozy environment for your family.

“Candlescaping is more than just scattering a few pillars around; it's creating a mood or telling a story using texture, scent, color and light. The candle aisles of your local Michaels store are filled with beautiful pillars, tapers and tea lights in every imaginable size, shape, color and scent, allowing you to develop a look that fits your own personal style,” says Byrne.

To create a more unique look with candles, some people use stencils and paint to decorate the candles with seasonal motifs. Fall leaves, English ivy and pumpkins make great accents this time of year.

Dimensional Paint Decorating

An easy way to add accents to candles, and many other surfaces, including walls, vases, fabrics, and more, is with the use of Texture Magic, a pre-colored dimensional paint packaged in an easy-to-use tube.

If you have ever frosted a cake, you are already an expert at applying Texture Magic. Spread the paint on the surface you want to decorate then add your accents, such as glass beads, metal pieces or ceramic tile, and press objects in the wet paint. This process allows you to capture the look of high-end mosaics at a great price
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You can also use the paint to create an impression. Simply spread a thick layer of Texture Magic on the surface you want to decorate, let it set a bit, then press the object -- a foam stamp, leaf, or flower petal -- into the wet paint. Remove immediately, leaving the image pressed into the surface. Arts and crafts stores offer all the tools you will need for a home décor project as well as larger sizes of paint.

Carvable Pumpkins

And what crafter’s fall décor wouldn’t be complete without a bunch of pumpkins on the front doorstep. You can find realistic carvable foam pumpkins in all shapes and sizes at craft stores along with all the tools you need to bring them to life. These pumpkins add a seasonal touch for fall that can last on your porch or table the entire season. Use them traditionally or get imaginative creating topiaries or carving whimsical characters and seasonal images. If you’ve struggled with carving the real things before, you’ll be amazed how easy it is to accomplish results with carvable pumpkins.

Fall home decorating is easy, simple and inexpensive to do yourself. So go ahead and try it, you’re bound to create beautiful home décor accents that will be both eye-pleasing and unique.

Guides For Your Indoor Water Garden

2009-08-09T17:16:00.001-07:00

Information on gardening can never be complete without the mention of water garden. You can add individuality to your already decided gardening project by taking up water gardening. Water garden can be grown in both the ways indoor and outdoor. Indoor water garden has less-maintenance hassles compared to the outdoor one.

Indoor Pond Culture
No one can imagine to shrinking a pond that too in a pot. But it is really possible and it will give a vibrant colored look to your room. The only care these colorful aqua plants need is fresh water. This small water garden is quite flexible enough to be decked anywhere ranging form indoor to outdoor. Not only it appeals soothing to your eyes but also it offers refuge to birds, butterflies, dragonflies and even small fish. Here are few tips of constructing a pond in a pot.

Selecting pot
There is a wide range of pots beginning from ceramic, plastic, sealed cement, porcelain or metal. You can use your creativity and choose washtubs, crocks etc. If using wooden pots wrap with thick plastic bag though it is advisable not to use it because of bacterial damage. There is no formula about the standard size of pot. According to your artistry you can sow the plants. It can be a single one or more than that to you choice.

List of aqua plants

Floaters
To keep your garden healthy the prevention of algae is must. Water lettuce or water hyacinth is the best option. They grow rapidly so often you need to take them out but don't throw them on the pond.

Oxygenating grasses
They maintain the pH balance of water. They move on the top or sit at the floor of the pot. Examples: anacharis (Egeria densa), fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana), feather grass and blood grass.

Bog plants
The bog plants are kept on top of rocks and the water should only cover the soil of the plant. They grow in shallow water.
Deep-water plants
Plants like water-lilies needs large space like bathtub or whisky barrel. Water lilies specially needs one-foot of water so that the water stays above their roots. Also they need some space to spread. The advantages of this plant are it prevents growth of algae and keeps the water cool.

Gurgling fountains
These fountains can make your aqua-art more enthralling. The process of installation is very easy and the sound of water makes it heavenly.

Tips for healthy growth

--Be careful about the lighting conditions. Lights of the early morning or mild light all over the day are the best ones. Scorching heat of the afternoon can burn and also kill fish.

--Don't overload the pond-pot with many plants. Keep it simple with few plants

--In a pot make an intelligent blend of horizontal and vertical plants. It makes the view more interesting.
Shelter it form the extreme cold.
Use fertilizer rarely as it gets the major ones form water and soil where they sit. Be sure that the fertilser is quite friendly to the fish if they are there. The fertilizer comes in tablet form and it can be half-buried in the soil. The quantity is specified in the package.

--Scrub the pot whenever necessary, You can check it out by putting your hand on the bottom and see if any matter is gathered in the bottom. You can also scrub it by brush.

--It is a retreat for birds, fish and mosquitoes. You can float the doughnuts of Bacillus thuringiensis to prevent the multiplication of mosquitoes. One doughnut is prescribed for every 1/100 square foot of water. It is totally harmless for children and wildlife. As a precautionary measure you can keep a bubbler so that the water doesn't stand still.

10 Ways To Find Your Hidden Storage

2009-08-09T17:12:00.000-07:00

Are you living in an apartment that does not have adequate storage space? Do you want to clear the clutter in your home? If yes, then opt for the storage systems that can make your home look bigger than usual. Today, the market is virtually flooded with furniture and storage systems that can help you make the most of your space, available at home, for storage and work. You can also maximize the storage space by finding the hidden storage areas of your home. Here we are to help you with some tips and ideas on maximizing the storage of your home.

Hidden Storage Ideas

1.The first step is to get rid of all the clutter. Collect the old and unwanted stuff that have been occupying a whole lot of space in your drawers, cupboards and closets in your home, and dispose them off. That way, you will ensure that all the storage areas are occupied by only the useful stuff.

2.Furniture is some of the most visible, but 'hidden' storage spaces. For instance, a bed frame with a small shelf can be a nice storage options, which could store small pieces of clothing like undergarments, socks and toys of your kids. You may also purchase boxed bed, which can be used to store heavy blankets and other stuff.

3.Apart from books, you may store your office files and stationery items in your bookshelf.

4.Make use of shelves and vanity cabinet for storing bathroom essentials and grooming products in the bathroom.

5.Instead of heavy, bulky chairs, you may use ottomans with storage area underneath them. Another nice option is a bar stool set, which can be stacked in the corner when not in use.

6.Dressing table is a hidden storage space. You may include slide-in drawers or shelves in the dressing table, to give more space for the cosmetics and your accessories. If there is any space left, you can also store old magazines in them.

7.To maximize storage in bathroom and kitchen, make the best use of under-sink areas in the rooms.

8.Talking about kitchen, the place can look cramped by the wrong use of storage space. Use vertical slide-in shelves in the kitchen to hang pots and pans.

9.Large, sealable plastic vacuum bags are the best options for storing clothing and bedding. They are versatile storage systems, because the air inside the bags can be sucked out using a vacuum, in order to make them smaller and easy to fit into places. You may store them under your bed.

10.Multi-function furniture can be the best bet to store electronics, without creating a clutter. Make use of such a furniture to store your television, music system and DVD player. You may get a furniture that has storage space for the electronics as well as some areas designated for storing small items like CDs.

Things You Should Know When Growing Plants in Alkaline Soil

2009-08-08T20:50:00.000-07:00

Usually in places where the climate is dry, the soil is alkaline. This means that the soil contains more lime or calcium carbonate. The problem with alkaline soil is that certain nutrients that plants require to grow like iron and zinc become unavailable.

If the soil is mildly alkaline, you have nothing to worry. However, it is when the soil is highly alkaline that poses a major problem.

pH is measured on a scale ranging from 1 to 14, where 7 is considered neutral. Anything higher than 7 is alkaline and lower is acidic. Most plants can grow in mildly alkaline or acidic soils without any problems. Even if the pH of the soil goes up to 8, you can still grow a number of plants. However, a point five increase in the pH makes it very difficult for plants to grow.

You can test the pH of your garden with an easy home testing kit. However, if you want more accurate results, you should send the soil for testing to a laboratory. If the soil is mildly alkaline, you can add well rotted compost to bring down the alkalinity so that plants can grow without any problems. In case the alkalinity is high, in the range of 8.2, it is necessary to add sulfur-based soil amendment.

When the soil has a pH of around 8.5, it means that there is a high percentage of sodium in the soil. This affects the structure of the soil and its ability to retain oxygen. You would have to take drastic measures to repair the soil or else, you will not be able to grow anything. Here you would have to flood your garden with gypsum, also known as calcium sulfate, to leach all the excess salts present in the soil. However, do not try to do this on your own. It is best to hire the services of a soil expert.

Remember you can grow vegetables in alkaline soil provided you take steps to correct the alkalinity and these measures should be taken for a long term basis. In addition, use well rotted compost instead of chemical fertilizers and flood the garden periodically with water to leach excess salts. Other than a few plants that require acidic soil, you should be able to grow any and everything.

9 Useful Home Cleaning Tip

2009-08-07T23:09:00.000-07:00

Here are some wonderful home cleaning tips and solutions from grandma's times when all these cleaning products were not so readily available. They are inexpensive, easy to prepare and more environment-friendly than many of the products in the superstores. Exercise a little caution while using them.

*Clean the stubborn stains in your bathtub by applying a paste of hydrogen peroxide and cream of tartar on them using a toothbrush and then rinse them thoroughly.

*Club soda is known for removing spots and stains instantly. Pour little of it on the spot and after one or two seconds blot the area with a damp sponge.

*Mix one tablespoon of household bleach in a spray bottle full of water and use it as a spray disinfectant in the kitchen, around the sink and counters, especially after you have cooked meat.
Mix together 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, 4 tablespoons of white vinegar and 1 quart of warm water and apply it on all kinds of woodwork to clean them and make them shine using a soft cloth. Dry the item with a separate and clean cloth.

*Pencil eraser is great to clean black scuffmarks on the floors made by heels of the shoes.

*To remove stains from carpets, try a mixture of ½ cup of mild dishwashing liquid and 2 cups of boiling water. Use a damp sponge to apply the mixture to the carpet and clean it.

*To unclog a drainpipe, pour a cup of salt and a cup of baking soda down it and then pour lots of boiling water down it to dissolve the grease and clear it.

*Use a clean rag moistened with club soda or white vinegar to bring the shine back to stainless steel.

*Water can leave spots and rings on wooden furniture that can be cleaned using a damp cloth and a mixture of toothpaste and baking soda.

White Home Decorate Tips

2009-08-07T23:07:00.000-07:00

White is the most versatile color and the most popular one too, for home décor. It reflects light beautifully, giving home a fresh clean airy feeling and make it look like a blank canvas that can become alive with the judicious use of colors. White has different meanings in different cultures. Westerners often associate it with purity and chastity while many Eastern cultures associate it with mourning. Thus, people belonging from different cultures may be affected differently by white home décor. While Westerners find it heavenly and paradisiacal, Easterners may find it peaceful, restful and even sorrowful. Here are some tips to use white in home décor:

*Accessories such as bowl full of water with gray-green stones, throw pillows on a white sofa and a goldfish bowl, all seem to have a special place in the all-white room.

*Bittersweet chocolate walls need white furnishings and furniture to balance the look of the room.

*Black and white color scheme has a clean and classy feel when used on floors, walls and furniture, in stripes or checks.

*Blue and white room reminds us of sky and water bodies and are quite serene to look at.

*Colorful table linens, food, flower and napkin arrangements, all seem to get more attention when the dishes, plates and cups are white.

*Green and white remind us of gardens and wilderness. Bluish green may add a touch of undersea environ while lime green instantly makes the room look cool and funky.

*Lighter tan hue or pale sandy tone for the walls look even better with white moldings.

*Orange citrus hue with white in a room looks quite tempting while kids love combinations of purple and white.

*Pastels such as light pink, yellow, pale green, baby blue and aqua with white moldings and trim look absolutely lovely.

*Red and white theme décor featuring strawberries or touches of dramatic blacks, aquas or hot pinks, is just perfect for holiday decor.

*Today, white has gained a new status and popularity in the hands of creative interior designers who break the clinical dull monotony of hospital-like white room with astounding use of colorful furnishings and accessories such as fresh flower arrangements and patterned bedsheets, pillows and coverlets. Add colors to the room daily that seem to stand out against the white background.

*White is considered the most popular neutral color and was almost a default color for walls, ceilings and bed sheets in older times.

*You may replace the harsh blinding white with softer ivory, beige and cream tones for the perfect look.

Sex Myths You Should See Through Now

2009-08-05T06:49:00.000-07:00

For a gender that claims to rely on logic and facts, men sure buy into a lot of lies when it comes to sex. Hard to blame them, though, when these "facts" have been around for so long that we've accepted them as gospel.

Ready to separate truth from fiction?

Man Myth #7: Men are more visually stimulated than women.

Even the experts get this one wrong all the time. A Washington University study measuring the brain waves of women watching erotic images found that the ladies' brainwave activity reacted just as strongly as men's.

Man Myth #6: Only women can have multiple Os.

It is easier for women? Probably, but that doesn't mean you can't do it. Men, too, can experience multiples (without the, uh, explosive finale) if he's strengthened his pelvic floor muscles for greater control and has learned to back off from "the point of no return."

Man Myth #5: You can get addicted to porn.

Well, okay, porn addiction is a real thing. But it's very rare. Only one percent of all people who look at the naughty stuff on the 'net will become addicted. So you can surf and click without caution.

Man Myth #4: You shouldn't have sex before the big game.

Sports stars often claim to hold off on pre-game sexual action to avoid ruining their performance. But Swiss researchers, who performed stress tests on people two and ten hours after the subjects had sex, found that after ten hours, the participants were "fully recovered." There was only a small dip in performance after two hours.

Man Myth #3: You reached your sexual peak as a teen.

True, your supply of testosterone peaked in your late teens (and woman's estrogen hits a high point in her mid to late 20s), but that has exactly nothing to do with how often or how much you enjoy sex. While you do experience physical changes as you grow older, those changes are more than made up for by greater confidence and experience.

Man Myth #2: You've always got it on the brain.

It feels like we hear the line "men think about sex every seven seconds," about, well, every seven seconds or so. Reality is that only about 20 percent of men claim to fantasize frequently. So, don't worry if it's not taking up your every thought. You have to give some consideration to work, beer, and sports, right?

Man Myth #1: You don't size up.

Despite the number of spam emails telling you otherwise, you're probably just fine. According to Men's Health magazine, in a recent study 63 percent of men complained of having inferior hardware - but not one of them was smaller than normal.

These 5 Tips Teach You How To Become More Romantic

2009-08-05T06:45:00.002-07:00

Who has time for romance, we wonder, as we rush from work to errands to bed with nary a free minute to light the requisite candles or whip up a fancy dinner.

While occasionally having the trappings of time-intensive romance never hurt, there are plenty of other things you easily fit in your too-busy schedule that will keep you and your honey close.

1--Focus Your Attention

Romance is no time for multi-tasking. When you want to make time for your partner, really make time for your partner. Even if you're only taking a minute to kiss your sweetie good-bye, make that minute count by giving them your full attention, direct eye contact, and a full 60 second of smoochin'. Remember the phrase "I love you" can be said in less than five seconds, and paired with a longing gaze, is impossible to resist.

2--Snare a Surprise

Gifts don't have to be grand gestures to be romantic (though, "honey, I bought you a new car" does have a nice ring to it). Little things like picking up her favorite flavor of ice cream, or taping his favorite television show when he's working late are the real stuff of romance.

3--Get Touchy

Physical contact is an immediate reminder of our love for someone. Though you might not have time for long hours of lovemaking, you can still have a little pre-breakfast groping, mid-afternoon hand holding, or evening backrubs. When you pass your partner - even when it's just to reach past him or her for the car keys - reach out and grant a friendly rub.

4--Pump Up Pride

Who doesn't love feeling valued and appreciated? In long term relationships in particularly, it's easy to tell our partners what drives us crazy and often harder to remember to praise them for the things we love.

5--Grant Sex Object Status

She sees him clipping his toenails. He's seen her with mustache bleach on. The closeness many long-term couples share is not the stuff romance is made of. Remember when you used to lust after this person? Now, do you remember why? Break out those rusty flirting skills you employed to win this person over, and treat them like the lust object they really are.

Simple Steps to Organize Your Kitchen

2009-08-05T06:45:00.001-07:00

You've got three half-full bottles of vinegar in your cupboard and your utensil drawer is a minefield of knife tips and mangled wire whisks. Time to get organized!

Step 1 Go through your kitchen and discard anything you don't use, along with any food, spices or medicines that are beyond their expiration dates.

Step 2 Take everything out of your cupboards and drawers, and wash the insides with warm soapy water. Rinse, let dry and replace cupboard and drawer liners.

Step 3 Store pots, pans and cooking utensils near the stove, nesting the pots and pans together to conserve space.

Step 4 Store dishes and silverware near your eating area and/or dishwasher. Use racks and silverware holders to maximize use of space.

Step 5 Be sure that children are able to reach items they use. Put things they should not use - such as sharp tools, alcohol and cleaning chemicals - well out of reach.

Step 6 Alphabetize your spices and keep them near the stove on a spice rack or in a nearby cupboard on a revolving rack.

Step 7 Remove large and seldom-used items from countertops and store them in a cupboard. For appliances that you use often, consider adding an 'appliance barn,' which can store toasters, blenders, juicers and other appliances on the countertop without clutter.

Step 8 Store food items that you use on a daily basis in accessible spots, and store all like food items together - for example, tea and sugar.

Step 9 Put food that may become infested with insects into sturdy plastic containers and seal them.

Step 10 Use drawer dividers to organize utensils.

6 Tips to Help You To Get a Loan Modification Approval

2009-08-03T04:35:00.001-07:00

There is a process that can help you get approval for a loan modification. If the steps are followed, you will have a better chance of that approval. One very important factor is how you write your loan modification hardship letter. The layout and what you include in your letter can make a big difference in the approval process.

1. Explain that your letter is to formally request a loan modification. Make sure you comment on this being a follow up to your application.
2. Include the reasons for your financial difficulty. Do not go into exact detail. Just give the main facts.
3. Include the rate range that you are comfortable with and that you are sure you will be able to agree to for the long haul.
4. Give detailed information that will get the financial institution to have faith in your ability to keep up with your new payment plan.
5. Include any information regarding pay raises or pay cuts that could change your current situation in the future. Pay raises will help your cause.
6. Be totally honest! Stretching the truth will not get you anywhere. Financial institutions do not like to be deceived and is the quickest way to be denied.

Make sure to stick to the basic facts in your letter. Whining, complaining, or trying for sympathy will not help your cause as the financial institution is a business. They need cold hard facts to back up your reasons.
They need to be reassured that you will not default on your new modified loan and that you are serious in wanting to keep your home.

Remember! Include the interest rate that you feel is acceptable for you to agree to. Make a budget and stick to it. Do not agree to a higher interest rate even if it is lower than what you are paying now. You could wind up in the same boat down the road without being able to try to rectify the situation.

Increase Your Home's Value

2009-08-03T04:22:00.000-07:00

Increasing your home's value is a good idea whether or not you are planning to sell in the near future. Even if you are going to remain in your home for awhile, you will enjoy your home more with some carefully planned upgrades. Adding value to your home is also a good financial decision. Begin by touring your neighborhood.

Look at your neighbor's homes and see how they have kept their home's up. If people in your neighborhood have added a bathroom, then you may need to add a bathroom to bring your home up to par. Although you don't want to necessarily get into a competition with your neighbors, you do want to take steps to add value to your home. The amount of money that you spend on renovations does not mean you will add that same amount of money to the value of your home. In many cases, smaller projects can end up adding more value than larger ones. The best projects are ones that will add to your live while adding to your home's value at the same time.

Putting in nice appliances is a great way to accomplish this. A kitchen is always a remodeling project that pays off. Old tiles, beat-up appliances and damaged counters are big turn-offs to buyers. Pick improvements that will make you enjoy the home more as well. Good choices include adding more counter space, a bigger breakfast nook or replacing an old window with a big bay window in the dining room. Another popular option is put gourmet style appliances into a home kitchen. If the kitchen seems like too involved of a project, then a bathroom is always a good choice as well. As a homeowner, you will love a walk-in closet or a brand-new looking bathroom. A great option in the bathroom is to upgrade the bathtub to a Jacuzzi tub. Many homeowners design their bathrooms to feel like they are in a resort. Buyers will also appreciate this feel. Do your own research before you make a purchase. Do not buy things on impulse, but instead shop around and find out your own information. Decorating books and magazines are a great resource for ideas. If you have friends or neighbors that are going through a renovation project, they can serve as a wealth of information. You will also have to make sure that you have all the permits you need for your project before you get started.

Some improvements that can add value do not cost very much at all. Painting the inside and outside of the home will make a big difference. Pick colors that will go with the design of your home. On the inside of the home, use neutral colors so that buyers can see themselves in your home. Don't underestimate the value of a landscaped yard, either. As you pick what projects to take on to add value to your home, remember that the key is to pick things that you will enjoy as well!

Know More About Housing Market In 2009

2009-08-03T04:17:00.000-07:00

In the face of an intractable credit crisis and a recession that could be the deepest since World War II, economists are expecting another downcast year for housing in 2009. Mission Residential Chief Economist Richard Moody, for example, projects home prices to continue along their downward slope for the entire year before hitting bottom in early 2010. But while there's no shortage of gloomy data—rising unemployment, higher mortgage delinquencies, increasing foreclosures—glass half-fullers do have a number of hopes to cling to. And while these more optimistic factors might not be enough to spring housing back to life in 2009, they could—with a few lucky breaks—prevent the market from declining as sharply as it otherwise might.

Here are the five best reasons to be hopeful about housing in 2009:

1. Cheap mortgage rates: With inflationary pressures easing and economic concerns mounting, shell-shocked investors are seeking the protection of government securities, such as 10-year treasury notes, driving down yields. The lower yields, coupled with the Fed's recently announced plans to buy up debt and mortgage-backed securities from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have dragged mortgage rates to multi-year lows. Thirty-year, fixed mortgage rates hit an average of 5.47 percent last week, the lowest they've been since 2004, according to Freddie Mac.

To be sure, not everyone will be able to take advantage of these attractive rates: Tougher lending standards will prevent many would-be buyers from getting into the market, while homeowners whose houses are now worth less than what they owe on their mortgage won't be able to refinance. Still, the rates present a welcome incentive for qualified borrowers to step up to the plate. "Lower mortgage rates mean more people with those credentials will be able to qualify," says Patrick Newport, a U.S. economist at IHS Global Insight. While that might not make a dramatic impact on the market, it could be enough to keep home sales from declining as much as they otherwise would, Newport says.

2. Lower prices: Home prices at the national level have already fallen 21 percent from their 2006 peaks. And in certain bubble markets, the crash has been even steeper—prices have fallen more than 30 percent in Phoenix and Las Vegas over the past year alone. Although that's a big blow to homeowners—the housing bust is expected to wipe out more than $2 trillion in home values in 2008—lower prices do help stimulate buyer demand, which is badly needed to mop up the excess housing inventory. And while home prices are expected to drop further in 2009, values in certain markets are already at levels low enough to tempt bargain hunters. "Falling home prices aren't part of the problem, they are part of the solution," says Mike Larson, a real estate analyst at Weiss Research.

3. Fewer housing starts: In the face of dwindling demand, home builders have been forced to sharply pull back on new construction. The government reported Tuesday that November housing starts dropped to their lowest level since 1959, when officials started keeping the statistics. While that's bad news for the economy—because it means fewer jobs for builders and others—it's an important step in bringing housing supply back in line with demand. The cutback will limit the supply of new homes coming into the market, which helps to reduce the glut of unsold homes that is putting such downward pressure on housing prices. "In order to get rid of the inventory, builders have to cut back even further and prices have to drop," Newport says. "It's very painful, but there is no way to get around the fact that that's what you need to do to equilibrate the market."

4. Obama stimulus: In an attempt to hoist the economy out of its rut, President-elect Barack Obama has announced plans for a massive federal spending program. The initiative is expected to put between $500 billion and $1 trillion into infrastructure repair and other projects in an effort to keep Americans working. Should this program succeed in preventing unemployment from skyrocketing and keeping the economic contraction from hitting the dourest projections, certain housing markets may firm up quicker than expected, says Susan Wachter, a professor of real estate at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business. In the best-case scenario, "the housing market declines become contained to those markets where house price declines are significant," Wachter says.

5. Credit programs: It will be tough for the housing market to come back to life until the credit markets—which have been log-jammed by fear for more than a year—begin to unlock. Like the fight to limit unemployment, reviving the credit markets is a daunting challenge. But remember, the federal government has already taken a number of steps designed to do just that. The Federal Reserve has slashed its benchmark interest rate to between 0 and 0.25 percent and committed nearly $2 trillion to new lending programs, bailouts, and additional measures designed to bolster the financial markets. Meanwhile, Congress passed a $700 billion bailout and the Treasury has already injected a chunk of that money into banks of all sorts. While these efforts haven't been enough to restore the credit markets to health, they have produced results. Interbank lending, for example, has eased. And should this modest victory lead to a broader recovery in the credit markets, the economy—and the housing demand that comes with growth—could turn around quicker than expected. "Right now, panic is driving the credit markets," says Moody of Mission Residential. "If, for whatever reason, confidence were to resume and people's appetite for risk was starting to increase, then you could start all of a sudden seeing credit flowing much more freely, which obviously supports spending in both business and households."

Best Places to Live All Over The World

2009-08-01T19:49:00.002-07:00

Finding the best places to live takes a little research. Many companies and organizations have done a lot of the legwork for you, having compiled data and conducted surveys to find where in the world are the best places to live.

----World's Best Places to Live
The London-based Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) Liveability Ranking, conducted a worldwide search for the best places to live and visit. Looking at 40 different indicators arranged in five separate categories, including stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure, EIU published some interesting findings. With three cities in the top ten, Canada came out on top due to its low crime, little threat from terrorism and a highly developed infrastructure. The best ranked US cities were Cleveland and Pittsburgh, both ranking 26th in the World.

*Vancouver, Canada
*Melbourne, Australia
*Vienna, Austria
*Toronto, Canada
*Calgary, Canada

----Safest Places to Live
With the recent natural disasters that have devastated so many communities throughout the world, when you are considering your next move, you may be wondering if there is anywhere left that is safe to live.

The answer is, no. Every area in the world has either suffered from, or will suffer from, a natural disaster. Whether it is a drought and tornadoes in the Midwest, flooding and ice storms in the Northeast or earthquakes and mudslides along the west coast, Mother Nature has the upper hand.

Forbes recently partnered with Sperling's Best Places to uncover the 10 safest places to live. Here are the top 5:

*Honolulu, Hawaii
*Bosie, Idaho
*Sante Fe, New Mexico
*Yakima, Washington
*Spokane, Washington

----Best Places for Singles
So you're tired of combing the streets and bars of your city in an attempt to find that special someone, or maybe you've had enough bad first dates to keep you in on a Saturday night. Don't despair. Sperling's Best Places has done it again. They have compile stats on percentage of singles, single venues and population density to come up with a list of the top ten dating cities.

*Austin, Texas
*Colorado Springs, Colorado
*San Diego, California
*Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina
*Seattle, Washington

----Best Places for Families
Child magazine conducted an extensive search of 100 cities throughout the US to find the best place to raise a family. Factors ranged from pediatric healthcare, schools, housing costs and air quality. Their research also points to highlights in each city, special qualities that exist no where else.

*Denver, Colorado
*Norfolk/Virginia Beach/Newport News, Virginia
*Minneapolis/St.Paul, Minnesota
*Miami, Florida
*Orlando, Florida

----Best Places to Reinvent Yourself
For those of you who are beginning the next stage in life, whether you've retired or if you simply want to start over now that the kids are grown and the nest is empty, AARP magazine conducted a survey to find the best places in the US to reinvent yourself.

Considering many baby boomers will work past their 65th birthday, AARP took job availability into account when ranking a locale. Other factors included cost of living, affordable housing, culture and entertainment, access to outdoor recreation, universities and colleges, personal safety, sense of community, health care facilities and transportation.

*Loveland/Fort Collins, Colorado
*Bellingham, Washington
*Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, North Carolina
*Sarasota, Florida
*Fayetteville, Arkansas

Feng Shui Tips to Help You Deal with The Clutter

2009-08-01T19:49:00.001-07:00

The feng shui effect of clutter on your health, your energy levels and the overall quality of your life is obvious - clutter drains your energy and dampens your very best intentions.

Even though we all agree about the feng shui effects of clutter, starting to clear your clutter is never easy. One look at the stuffed bedroom closets or the piled up bookcases in your home office is enough to make you urgently find something very important to do.

There is a way out, though, and feng shui, as an energy tool, can help you clear your clutter in the most efficient, easy and, yes, even enjoyable way! The way to make it work is to keep in mind two important feng shui guidelines:
Bring higher feng shui energy to support you in your clutter clearing efforts. For example, having great music, fresh air, a sense of beauty in the space will start diminishing the low effects of clutter, as in the world of energy everything is in constant motion. Be aware how much easier it is to deal with the low energy of your clutter when you are surrounded by higher energy.

Plan to "underachieve" instead of "overachieve." Start small and time your efforts. For example, give yourself 15 min for a specific area, and when the time is up, just leave it. You've done great. Now plan for the next session and make it a bit longer (20-25 min.)
By mentally changing your approach and having realistic goals you can actually start living clutter free quite soon. It is important to give yourself time, though. Just like with losing the extra weight with feng shui, you will achieve the best results with a consistent system, complimented by new habits.

A very helpful tool in clearing clutter is using the ancient principle of space clearing. There are many ways to do space clearing, and from my experience, ancient cultures around the world have various forms of clearing the stagnant energy. Explore the topic of space clearing with feng shui, as it can be of great help in your feng shui clutter clearing efforts.

From Karen Kingston's Clear your Clutter with Feng Shui (compare prices) and Creating Sacred Space with Feng Shui (compare prices) to Denise Linn's Sacred Space: Clearing and Enhancing the Energy of Your Home (compare prices) there are many resources to help you understand how to shift the energy in your space and make your feng shui efforts really pay off.

To deal with the unseen causes of clutter, such as emotional issues, Christan Hummel, the author of Do It Yourself Space Clearing Kit (compare prices) suggests to "go around the house to places where there have been past traumas or difficulties. Do a cleansing ceremony (sage, or candles work well) and intend for the blockages to be cleared from that space. Intentionally bring in items that represent a more flowing energy, such as a feng shui fountain, chimes, or living things like plants, to attract life energy back into that area."

No matter which way of space clearing you choose, once you realize that the unseen Chi, or energy around you is shifting all the time, you can easily transform it for the better. You might not see it, but you can certainly feel it. Feng Shui is here to guide you through all the steps of creating better energy in your home.

Rules for Exotic Pets and Children

2009-08-01T19:45:00.001-07:00

Question: Are Exotic Pets Good for Kids?
Many parents consider getting exotic pets such as rabbits, hamsters, guinea pig, lizards, and turtles for their kids. But are exotic pets a good choice for children?

Answer: The short answer: it depends. While there are definitely benefits to pet ownership for kids, parents of younger kids (e.g. preschoolers) may want to think twice about getting an exotic pet for their kids, simply because it may be hard to find a pet that is a good match for young kids. Even with older kids, it can be a challenge to find the right kind of pet. Whether an exotic pet of any sort is a good choice as a pet for your kids depends on several things:

*maturity level of the children
*the type of exotic pet
*expectations for interacting with the pet
*how much parents are willing to take on for basic care and supervision
*concerns over diseases

Handling Pets can be a Challenge for Young Kids
Young kids tend to want to hold pets, and a lot of pets will resist this -- and unfortunately they sometimes bite or scratch in an attempt to get away. Young kids may also accidentally hurt small pets with inadvertent rough handling; preschoolers may not have the fine motor skills needed to handle small squirmy animals. And of course, any child needs to be supervised when handling any sort of pet.

Choosing Exotic Pets for Kids
There are some pets that are good for kids, and some that are not as suitable. Rabbits, for example, are often considered kids' pets, but they often do not like to be held and can kick and scratch in protest. My picks for the best pets for kids can be found in 7 Exotic Pets for Kids, but even these may not be good choices for very young kids.

Expectations for the Pet
Whenever a pet is chosen, it is important to make sure the pet is likely to match up with your expectations, and this is a very important with kids. Do you want a pet to cuddle? Or a pet to simply watch and observe? If you are looking for a pet to handle, consider if your kids may be frustrated if it takes some time to tame your pet.

Expectations for Care
Find out what care a potential pet is going to need, and be sure you can meet their needs over their lifespan. As parents, be prepared to take responsibility for the primary care needs of the pet, especially for younger kids. Even for older kids, you may need to check in daily on pet care tasks. Also think ahead: for pets with longer lifespans, parents may also end up as primary caretaker for pets as kids move away for college or jobs.

Disease Concerns
Exotic pets, like any pet, can carry diseases transmissible to humans. Because young kids have developing immune systems and a tendency to put their hands in their mouths often, they are more susceptible to picking up germs from exotic pets. Good hygiene practices generally prevent diseases from pets, but are harder to manage with very young kids. You might want to consult with your pediatrician to discuss the risks (the American Academy of Pediatrics has made a recommendation that families with children under 5 avoid reptiles, amphibians, chicks and ducklings, rodents and ferrets).

Basic Rules for Pets and Children
Ultimately, the decision to get an exotic pet is up to each family. No matter what pet you choose, there are some basic rules for keeping kids and pets safe:

*children should always be supervised when interacting with pets
*hands should always be washed well after handling pets (or their equipment) - parents should *help or supervise children under 6
*do not kiss pets
*make sure kids do not put their hands in their mouths after handling pets
*keep pets away from food preparation and eating areas
*keep pets healthy
*keep cages clean
*do not bring wild animals home as pets

Ways To Make A Small Dining Room Look Larger

2009-07-24T21:45:00.000-07:00

The dining room comprise of one of the most important spaces in your house, as it is the place where all the members sit together as a family and share their meals. However, many homes suffer from the problem of a small dining room, which makes eating experience less enjoyable than it should be. Do you know that it is possible to create space in a room, without actually rebuilding it? No? Then reading this article is a must for you. Go through the following lines and explore simple ways to make a small dining room look larger.

How To Make Your Dining Room Appear Bigger

Carefully Choose The Color
If you have a small space for the dining room, color is the first aspect that you need to look into. In fact, the color of walls as well as ceiling can go a long way in determining the visual size of your room. While a dark bold color will make a room much smaller than it really is, a lighter one will go a long way in opening up the space. Select the color that you want to paint the room in and then go for a light to medium shade in the same.

Mirror Tricks
One of the best accessories that you can use to make your small dining room look bigger comprises of mirrors. They create the illusion of space and expand the overall space of the room. Buy two or three large matching wall mirrors and place them in such a way that they fall across a natural source of light, at a distance of approximately six inches. As the light falls on the mirrors, it will get amplified, making the room appear larger.

Treat The Window
You can easily make your dining room look bigger by going for big windows therein. At the same time, instead of bulky dark window treatments, go for the light and airy varieties. In this context, sheer nylon panels or light-filtering roman shades will serve your needs perfectly. In case you can do away with the privacy aspect, opting for lightweight scarf valances is a good idea. In other words, sheer window treatments can help expand the space in your small dining room.

Using The Right Furniture
If the size of your dining room is not too big, it is advisable to exercise due care while selecting furniture for the same. The first thing that you need to do is get rid of large bulky furniture, even dining table, as it wastes useful space. For instance, you can opt for a dining table with a leaf for expansion. As and when you want, bring the leaf into the room and increase the seating space. This way, you will avoid blocking the space unnecessarily.

Lighting Is The Key
Lighting is one of the significant elements that you can play with, while trying to make your dining room appear bigger. You can always go for recessed spot lighting, which is visually appealing and helps open up a space as well. Another option is to go for torchiere light, which bounces light off of the ceiling and back down on the room. Then, you can take into account skylights and solar tubes, natural alternatives that also add space.

Some More Tips
--Keep your dining room completely clutter free. Many-a-times, it has been seen that a fairly large dining room looks extremely small only because too many unnecessary items are kept therein.

--While deciding the color scheme for your dining room, make sure to go for lighter color in context of the ceiling and flooring as well.

--Going for a glass table, instead of a wooden one, also helps creates the illusion of free and open space in the dining room.

Tips For Growing Herbs Indoors

2009-07-24T21:43:00.000-07:00

Herbs, valued for their exotic flavor, pleasing fragrance and, many-a-times, medicinal properties, have been used by people since ages. Apart from cooking and medicine, they find a use in spiritual endeavors as well. In case you are a regular user of herbs, why not grow them yourself? If, by any chance, the absence of a garden is stopping you from the same, we have the perfect solution for you. You can start growing herbs indoors as well. How? The tips given below will help you know that.

How To Grow Indoor Herbs

Supplies Needed

-Fish Emulsions
-Flowerpots
-Herb Plants
-Planting Containers
-Potting Soil
-Sand
-Screen Mesh
-Seaweed Extract
-Mushroom Compost Makers

Instructions

-In order to grow herbs inside your house, you will first have to choose the perfect location for the same. Make sure that place has good ventilation, but does not receive direct drafts. At the same time, it should not suffer from great fluctuations in temperature

-The location that you choose for the herbs should receive at least 4 hours of direct sunlight in a day. You can also supplement the same with fluorescent lights, if necessary.

-Now that you have the best location in your mind, it is the time to choose the herbs that you want to grow therein. This will require you to determine how you want to use the herbs - for cooking, making potpourri or enjoying their foliage and fragrance. For the purpose, you can study books about herbs and browse through catalogs.

-The herb selection made; now is the time to go to a nursery that specializes in herbs and buy plants from the place. In case you get a bit confused, take the help of the nursery staff, which will mostly likely be knowledgeable as well as helpful.

-Get containers in which you will plant the herbs. They need to be 8 inches deep and 6 to 8 inches across. In case you want to plant a number of herbs in the same container, make sure that it is big enough to allow 6 to 8 inches of space between the plants.

-As the next step, start preparing the container for the plants. For the purpose, you will need to arrange pieces of screen mesh over the drainage holes of the container.

-Next, mix premium-quality, well-draining potting soil with coarse sand and mushroom compost.
-After combining the two, place a layer of the same over the wire mesh.
You will need to ensure proper drainage for the herbs as well. This purpose can be achieved by setting the containers on a tray that has been filled with gravel.

-By now, the container has been prepared completely. So, you have to set the plants inside them, making sure to place them at the same depth as they were growing in their nursery pots.

-Watering the herbs will be the next step. As for the regular watering, stick to a good soaking once or twice a week. You can stand each pot in about an inch of tepid water, till the soil gets moist, but is not saturated.

-When your herbs are growing at an active pace, you will need to feed them once in a week. For the purpose, make use of seaweed extract or fish emulsion.

-You have successfully grown the herbs indoors. Now is the time to harvest them. In order to do this, clip only the outer leaves or sprigs (as and when you need them), leaving plenty of vigorous growth on the plant.

How To Create A Kitschy Kitchen

2009-07-24T21:42:00.001-07:00

People generally long for a big, beautiful and modular kitchen. However, there is also a segment of people who want to re-create the nostalgia-filled old style of their parents and grandparents, in their kitchen. As the retro style is back with a bang, with the kitchen being an integral part of it, creating a kitschy kitchen has caught on with the trend. There are a lot of people who are not clear with the concept of kitschy kitchen and want to know more about it. Let us explore a few tips to how to create a kitschy kitchen, which will let you enjoy all the modern conveniences, while going for a retro look.

Kitschy Kitchen Decorations

Repaint Your Kitchen
Start with repainting your kitchen, using bright colors to give the retro feel. You can use the bright sunshine yellow of the 1960s or the avocado green of the 1970s, thus creating the flavor of that particular era, inside your kitchen.

Get Hold Of Old Kitchen Appliances & Accessories
Check out the attics at your relatives' place. You might, fortunately, get some kitchen appliances and accessories, which may not be of a use to them. However, they will surely be a treasure for you and you will able to make good use of them, in your kitschy kitchen, giving it the perfect 'old feel'.

Use Crazy & Themed Accessories
Choose a theme on which you want your kitchen to be based. You can also combine various themes, in order to get a wilder look. Buy all themed accessories, like rooster cookie jars, cactus cookie jars, frog shape pitchers, rooster teapot and other similar items. Place them all across your kitchen and enjoy the crazy appearance.

Add A Bit Of Silliness
Give your dining table a wild look, just like your kitchen. Set the table with unique theme or figurine salt and pepper shakers and napkin holders. Put cartoon-ish oven mitts and pot holders to enhance the look of the stove area. While creating kitschy kitchen, you should remember that being stylish is not desirable. It’s all about feeling and enjoying the good ol' times.

Decorate The Walls
The kitchen walls should be decorated in a way that accentuates the old feel. You can use retro advertising signage, which can be found at antique shops. Visit some pop culture specialty shops and choose from the range of retro signage available there.

Stick To Your Taste
One of the important tips, to create a kitschy kitchen, which you should keep in mind, is that you will be the one spending time in it. So, enjoy and have fun while decorating it. Make it the way you want, as it appeals to your taste. A kitchen should reflect your personality. Enjoying the look of your kitchen and the time spent there should be the main motive, while decorating it.

How To Grow Strawberries in an Organic Garden

2009-07-22T17:59:00.000-07:00

Fresh strawberries are at their best when an organic gardener grows strawberry plants in a garden free of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Fresh organic strawberries from the home garden are far superior to the bloated supermarket variety with little fragrance and a white core. Strawberry plants take little care once established, and can produce baskets of berries for years.

Choose Strawberry Varieties
Before an organic gardener shops for strawberry plants, he must consider disease resistance, growing region, and whether to purchase June-bearing or ever-bearing strawberry plants. Gardeners in hot, humid regions can grow ‘Titan,’ which resists leaf scorch. ‘Earliglow’ is an excellent choice for gardeners in the Midwest and Atlantic regions, as it is not only cold hardy, but resists gray mold, verticilium wilt, red stele disease, leaf spot, and leaf scorch. Gardeners seeking ever-bearing strawberries can plant ‘Hecker’ in the north or ‘Tristar’ in the south.

Prepare the Garden to Plant Strawberries
Strawberry plants thrive in well-drained soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. If the soil pH is above 6.0, acidify it naturally with compost and leaf mold. If the soil is below 5.0, add limestone to raise the pH. Choose an area of the garden with full sun and good air circulation to reduce disease problems.

Plant strawberries in the spring as soon as the earth can be worked, setting plants 18 inches apart in rows spaced at least two feet apart. Wide rows allow strawberry plants room to develop new runners.

Organic Strawberry Plant Care
After planting strawberries, add a layer of organic mulch to retain moisture and to keep soil from splashing on ripening berries. Many organic gardeners prefer to mulch strawberry beds with straw, but dried grass clippings or pine needles are also suitable choices.

The fertilizing regimen for strawberries centers on whether the plants are June-bearing or ever-bearing. Ever-bearing strawberries need a constant supply of nutrients to produce flowers and grow berries, but June berries only form new buds for the following year in late summer. Therefore, feed ever-bearing strawberries throughout the growing season, but fertilize June-bearing strawberries in August. Gardeners can fertilize plants with a side dressing of dried blood meal, rock potash, and bone meal.

At the end of the season, the strawberry plants will send out new plantlets on runners. In this way, the strawberry patch is self-perpetuating. Remove nonproductive plants at the end of each growing season, and allow the runners to replenish the garden.

Organic Strawberry Pest Control
Slugs, aphids, spider mites, and birds like to feed on strawberry plants. Place beer traps around plants or sprinkle diatomaceous earth to kill slugs. Attract beneficial insects that have an appetite for aphids with nectar-rich flowers, like sweet alyssum. Spider mites are most problematic in hot, dusty regions, so regular irrigation discourages them. Use bird netting draped over jar-topped stakes to deny birds the first berry harvest.

Get Rid of Squirrels in the Garden

2009-07-22T17:57:00.000-07:00

It’s one thing to battle with a squirrel who insists on hogging the garden birdfeeder. It’s another matter when squirrels, not the gardener, enjoy summer’s first tomato from the vegetable patch.

Squirrel Repellant
Organic squirrel repellants work because of the finely tuned sense of smell squirrels possess. Odors offensive or frightening to squirrels are undetectable to birds, and when gardeners apply the products according to package instructions, the odor should be minimal. Gardeners must reapply odor-based repellants after heavy rains.

Gardeners can buy powder or liquid organic squirrel repellants made with hot pepper to deter squirrels from feeding on vegetable gardens or from dominating bird feeders. Take care when applying these products, as they can cause severe eye irritation. Gardeners must wear gloves and eye protection, and wash hands after handling hot pepper squirrel repellants.

Another popular squirrel repellant contains liquid or powdered urine concentrate of predators, usually fox or coyote urine. When the squirrels smell the markings of their enemies on your property, their instincts warn them that this is the territory of the enemy.

Trap Squirrels
Several companies sell live traps designed to capture nuisance squirrels from the gardener’s property. Squirrel trapping has several pros and cons. Traps are inexpensive, humane, and gardeners can use traps repeatedly. However, gardeners may attract other animals to a trap intended for squirrels, including possums or skunks.

Over time, many gardeners will, at one time or another, face a squirrel opponent that is unusually wily and resistant to all other methods of deterrent. A trap is useful in this instance to remove that one ornery squirrel that vexes the gardener from one season to the next. Transport the squirrel several miles away, and break out the back up defenses for the rest of the rodent clan that will move in to fill the void.

Protect Bulbs from Squirrels
It’s a well-known fact that squirrels relish flowering bulbs, especially tulips and crocuses. Gardeners can treat bulbs with some of the aforementioned squirrel repellants before planting. Remove all traces of the papery husks that encase the bulbs after planting, as these can prompt the squirrel to dig for buried treasure. Gardeners can place strawberry baskets over bulbs for small bulb plantings. For larger expanses, gardeners can place chicken wire over the bulbs to deter digging squirrels.

Distraction
Like all wildlife in the garden, squirrels are part of a healthy ecosystem and thus deserve a modicum of tolerance and respect. Squirrels provide food for hawks, eagles, owls, foxes, snakes, and coyotes. The acrobatics and clowning of squirrels are fun to watch, and squirrels help repopulate native forests when forgotten nuts buried in the fall germinate in the spring. Install a corn or peanut feeder far away from your tomato plants, and keep it replenished at all times. A corn feeder that spins unpredictably when the squirrel attempts to reach the cob satisfies the gardener’s mischievous streak and occupies the rodents for hours.

Emotional affairs

2009-07-22T17:55:00.001-07:00

Sometimes you're more than just friends. But is it an affair if you're not having sex?

What's an emotional affair?
An emotional affair is a close friendship with someone you're attracted to. It differs from what we usually call an affair (lots of sex and sneaking about) because there isn't any sex involved, not even any kissing. You'll spend hours talking, teasing each other and flirting a bit, even more hours daydreaming about your 'friend' and less and less time engaging with your partner. An emotional affair takes place in the heart and in the head, but it's a strictly hands-off relationship.

Unfortunately, emotional cheating can have just as much of a negative impact on a relationship as sexual infidelity. In the eyes of an emotional cheater their new friend is the most fascinating person they've ever met, so their partner seems dull or flawed by comparison and the relationship suffers from a lack of attention. The emotional affair, with all the sharing and closeness involved, can make a partner feel more betrayed than a drunken one-night-stand would.

Spotting the signs
The line between a normal friendship and an emotional affair is a blurry one, especially if your friend is cute. Remember, finding someone attractive is normal, it's what you do about it that makes the difference. So here are some of the signs that point to you being more than mates:

Remember, finding someone attractive is normal, it's what you do about it that makes the difference.

Daydreams: How much headspace does your friend take up? If you're planning future conversations or living in an alternate-daydream universe where the two of you can be together, then you're on a slippery slope.
Real dreams: If they're invading your thoughts while you sleep then your subconscious could be trying to tell you something. Dreams are odd though, and one-off appearance from someone you've never looked at before is unlikely to mean anything.
Lust: Let's be blunt here, would you shag them? Yes? Thought about it a bit too often? You're heading for trouble.
Secrets: You might not have lied outright, but do you keep quiet about just how much time you spend with your friend? About how often you talk to them or what you talk about? Chances are you know in your heart your girlfriend or boyfriend wouldn't like the whole truth.
Lies: This is the next step on. You've started to ignore the truth to make your friendship look more acceptable to your partner. You're deep into affair territory now.
But we ARE just friends
If none of the above applies, then great. It's absolutely possible to have very close friends of the gender you find attractive. It's even possible to have close friends you find attractive - harmless flirting can brighten up a dull day quite nicely. Keep your partner in mind though. If you're acting in a way you wouldn't want them to see, it might be time to re-examine how you feel about your friend.

Freeing yourself from an emotional affair
If you think you might be caught up in an emotional affair, you probably need to take a very long look at your relationship with your current partner. Try and forget about your friend as you do this. There may be something lacking in your relationship, causing you to seek out what's missing with your friend. Once in a while two people will meet and just fall for one another, but it's rare, and the majority of people having affairs are seeking something they can't get at home. Think about this and then go for one of the following options:

Leaving your partner: You might realise that your relationship is over, for a variety of reasons, and that it wouldn't be fair to you or your partner to stay together. Don't expect to fall straight into the arms of your friend though, especially if they're in a relationship too. Before starting anything new you'll need time to recover from the loss of your former partner.
End the friendship: You need to work on things with your partner without any distractions, so you'll need to go cold turkey and stop associating with your friend. This will be difficult, as the person in question obviously makes you very happy. There could be further complications if you work together or share a house. But try to focus on your partner's good points. Remember why you got together in the first place. Start paying them more attention and you could find your relationship blossoms again.
Wait it out: Making new friends, even platonic ones, can be a very intense experience. It's possible that, given time, your feelings will calm down and you will be just friends. Make sure you spend lots of quality time with your partner. You should also talk to your friend about your partner in a positive way and try to avoid too much alone time with them, especially if you're drinking. This choice may sound like the easy option at first, but you'll need nerves of steel and cast iron willpower to pull it off.

Common landlord problems

2009-07-22T17:52:00.000-07:00

Landlord puts rent up half way through your lease
If you're on a fixed term lease (such as 12 months), they legally can't do this. This will be covered in your contract, along with info on your notice period. Read your contract.

Landlord keeps your deposit
Don't withhold your final month's rent - this is breaking the terms of your contract, and you risk prosecution. Consult your housing officer instead. Always pay a deposit using a cheque, banker's draft or credit card so you have proof. Ask your landlord for a receipt and written confirmation of what is covered.

If you sign up to be an assured shorthold tenant from April 6, 2007, make sure your landlord knows about the tenancy deposit protection scheme. This has been put in place to avoid landlords keeping all your dosh for no good reason, and will help you get your deposit back without having to go to court.

Landlord turns up uninvited
Don't let him in because reasonable notice is required for inspection. Also under the law, landlords can't prevent your friends from visiting.

Landlord kicks us out
You can only be kicked out if:

the owner wants to come back and live in the property;
the house is being repossessed;
you're over two months in arrears with your rent;
you refuse vital maintenance work.
A landlord can also ask the court to consider eviction if:

you've broken the terms of your contract;
you're consistently late in paying the rent;
you lied to get the place.
However, for most private tenants, the landlord can give two months' notice and get a court order without needing to give a reason. Provided the landlord has followed certain housing rules (e.g. the two months' notice must not end before the end of the first six months of a tenancy), the court will grant an order. If you live with your landlord, in most cases, they can just give you notice and don't need a court order.

Hidden costs of buying

2009-07-22T17:51:00.001-07:00

If you thought that all you needed was a mortgage, think again.

Mortgage downpayment
You need cash upfront to qualify for most mortgages. Generally, the more you can put down, the better your choice of lending rate.

MIG
If you don't have much money for your mortgage downpayment, you may still get a mortgage. The lender considers you more of a financial risk, so you'll have to pay a mortgage indemnity guarantee (MIG) on top of the rest of the mortgage. This can often be avoided if you have 10% or 15% of the house purchase price saved up.

Solicitor's fees
This is for conveyancing: checking title deeds, notifying Land Registry, doing a local search to find out more about the property, and drawing up contracts.

Surveys
A chartered surveyor will charge you to report on the condition of the property. Sometimes your mortgage lender will pay for this, but not always.

Stamp duty
This is a government tax on the purchase price of the building. Until September 2009, stamp duty is suspended on properties costing less than £175,000. This is a temporary suspension, up from the previous threshold of £125,000, and has been welcomed by many as it will save eligible homebuyers up to £1,750. Homes costing from £175,001 to £250,000 have 1% of their value payable. If you're going for something that's worth £250,001 to £500,000 (we wish) you'll get stung for 3%, and anything over this is charged at 4%.

Land registry fee
Payable every time you complete a home purchase, or change your mortgage lender.

Buildings insurance
Needed to protect the structure of your home (not your personal possessions), and must be in place by the time you exchange contracts.

Contents insurance
Cover for your personal possessions, carpets, curtains, and so on.

MPPI
This is mortgage payment protection insurance, also called payment protection insurance. Covers mortgage repayments should you fall ill or lose your job.

And the rest:
Renovations, repairs, decorating, furniture, carpets, curtains, appliances and more.

Tips for growing lilies

2009-07-20T22:37:00.001-07:00

Lilies are the most regal of all flowers - true garden aristocrats. Stunning in cut arrangements, potted, naturalized, or in formal gardens, lilies are favorites of florists, landscape designers, and home gardeners alike. Lilies are as easy to grow as any other perennial if you select varieties that are suited to your growing region and follow a few simple rules.

Modern breeding techniques have produced an incredible variety of lilies, tall or short; in distinctive forms, upright or candelabra; and stunning colors ranging from pure white through creams and pastels, pinks, yellows, oranges, golds, and vivid reds. All are equally lovely, so making choices for your garden will be difficult.

Most lilies grow best in region 8 northward through the warmer areas of region 4. Lilies do poorly in the desert southwest. In the western sections of growing regions 9 and 10, lilies should be planted where they will receive afternoon shade. While they do not require special soil, lilies must not be planted in any location where water will stand on the bulbs. A porous, rapid-draining soil is best. If your soil contains too much clay, add sand, moistened peat moss, or compost to increase porosity. It has been said that lilies, like clematis, “prefer their heads in the sun and their feet in the shade.” The best location is one in sun or light shade among ground covers such as vinca or ferns.

Lilies grow from scaly bulbs. The bulbs are planted in autumn, either September, October, or November, depending on your growing region. Ideally, the bulbs are sold with roots attached. Since they are never completely dormant, they should be planted as soon as you bring them home. Lilies are very attractive planted in groups. Loosen the soil to a depth of at least 10 inches, then moisten the ground where the bulbs are to be planted to promote immediate root growth. Plant large bulbs (those 3 inches or more in diameter) at least 10 inches apart covered with 4 or 5 inches of soil. Cover smaller bulbs with about 3 inches of soil. Water the bulbs after planting to settle the soil. In colder growing regions, mulch the ground above the bulbs after freezing weather.

Lilies respond well to ample feeding. In spring and early summer, apply a complete fertilizer or a combination of organic nutrients that provide adequate amounts of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Water thoroughly. Shoots sometime emerge in early spring before the last frost. If a heavy frost or freeze is predicted, cover the lilies so the buds will not be ruined. Do not cultivate deeply around your lilies since there are feeder roots near the surface of the soil that can be easily damaged.

Depending on the variety, blooms begin in May and continue through September. For cut arrangements, the blooms will last longer if the buds are cut when they are fully colored. Be aware that cutting more than one-third of the length of the stem will weaken the bulb for next year. Remember, the more foliage this year, the more blossoms you will have next year. When blooming is over, cut off the developing seed pod but leave the stem and all the leaves.

Lilies can be propagated by using scales from the bulbs or with bulblets produced on the underground stem. Either method requires two to three years for a bulb to reach sufficient size to produce a bloom. Non-hybrid lilies can also be propagated from seed, but that method should be left to the experts.

Some of the best lilies for beginners are the coral lily, madonna lily, regal lily, tiger lily, showy lily, Olympic hybrids, Aurelian hybrids, and mid-century hybrids.

Lilies add rich colors and splendid form to almost any landscape. From the classic to the ornate, they will delight your senses and enhance your gardening experience.

Creat A Great Landscape -- flower bed border ideas

2009-07-20T22:32:00.001-07:00

The majority of flower borders are generally planted along a fence or other boundary in a landscape. However, they can also edge the sides of walkways or driveways. The charming edges of a flower border set off by an area of plants, mulch, or other type of decorative edging not only is more pleasing to the eye, but it can also cut down on the amount of time spent with mundane yard maintenance such as mowing.

To budget both time and money, plant the bed in stages. Consider and plan ahead whether or not there is an adequate amount of lawn space, availability of structures, trees, or shrubs that can be used to incorporate a flower border. You will need to design borders in such a way that the size and shape will complement one another as well as the surrounding landscape. Make your border large enough to generate a pleasing visual impression, yet, small enough for easy maintenance. Keep the border in proportion with the length as well. The length of the border is normally determined by the overall size of the landscape. Making the border slightly wider will allow the opportunity to use tall, flamboyant flowers. Layering and variation of shape in a border will create a pleasant composition. Grouping taller plants with intense foliage can also screen unsightly areas and provide privacy. A border can have either a straight or curved edge. Curves tend to offer a more casual and informal effect. Straight beds can be made less daunting by arranging flowers in groups rather than in rows. You can also soften straight lines by permitting the bed to curve in the center or near one end. Whether or not to use a straight line or a gentle curve is up to you.

Asters, chrysanthemums, daylilies, irises, and ornamental grasses are good choices for use in flower borders. These can be highlighted with vines, shrubs, or attractive foliage plants. Choosing flowers with long-lasting blooms provide stronger emphasis throughout the changing seasons. For early blooms, peonies, geraniums, columbine, and miscellaneous spring-flowering bulbs can be utilized. Choose goldenrod, asters, mums, or phlox for late blooms. Annuals such as impatiens and dianthus are immediate choices to brighten up existing borders between seasons.

There are many different ways in which borders can be arranged. Double borders usually scamper along both sides of a path or down the sides of property. Most of the time, these borders have straight edges. Edging a double border with brick can make these straight edges more attractive. Formal borders that include roses look quite lovely when they are outlined with low, neatly pruned boxwood. Other formal beds can be placed against dark backgrounds or hedges and stand out nicely when edged with cobblestones. Perennial borders can be edged with a continuous planting of one type of edging plant such as sweet alyssum, hardy pinks, candytuft, or lavender. Depending on the width, borders along a walkway or path can be edged with plants in a straight row or in masses. An island bed is surrounded by lawn. Position an island bed with an irregular shape that will fit the contours of your lawn and border plantings. Place the tallest plants in the center with all other plant heights scaled down towards the outer edge. These can be edged with consistent placement of one plant, such as lamb’s ear, or groups of edging plants. You can also give the island bed an untamed appearance by allowing it to flow into the lawn to mimic a meadow. A mixed border consists of flowers which are placed in groups in and around shrubs and groundcover. Shrubs that are used with this type of border should complement the foliage and growth of the other plants. For further interest, an accent can be integrated. Herbaceous borders can be designed using hedges, walls, or fences as backdrops. These types of borders can provide height and substance to the landscape. Incorporate climbing vegetation such as clematis, climbing roses, or ivy into the background to supply additional beauty. For winter attraction, ornamental grasses can be used. They make natural companions for herbaceous plants like salvia and campanula. A raised bed can save space and can be enclosed with bricks, timbers, or anything that gives shape and holds soil in. Slope these beds to encourage water run off. You can also build up the soil into a mound without any retaining edges.

Flower borders placed around the outer edges of a landscape provide a cleaner and less muddled appearance than numerous, traditional small beds. They can be worked into nearly any property. With the use of low-growing plants that have interesting foliage texture and defined edges from stones or other types of edging your border should contrast well with and add character to the flowers and surrounding lawn.

Clean Your Bathroom Easily

2009-07-19T01:49:00.000-07:00

1--Put on some music. Radio, ipod, stereo. Whatever, cleaning is always made easier when your singing along to your favorite song.

2--get some gloves and old rags, you don't mind messing up from chemicals. Always old clothes when cleaning.

3--Remove all knick knacks and items in your bathroom (ie, anything you don't cleaner on). Place them in you hallway.

4--Pick up the throw rugs and clothes on the floor. Shake or beat the rugs outside, to remove dust. Wash them if possible. As for the clothes put them in a giant pile so you know they need to washed later on.

5--Remove all dirty towels to be washed.

6--Now that the floor is cleared, Sweep or vacuum it.

7--Spray the counter tops with cleaner and let it do the work.

8--Spray the mirror and wipe it down.

9--Spray the toilet inside and out. Let the cleaner sit.

10--Go back to the counter top, scrub and wipe it down.

11--Spray the bathtub and shower down (you may need to do this twice if your shower or tub gets really dirty)

12--Scrub the inside of the toilet with a brush, then flush to rinse the bowl out. Wipe the outside of the toilet. Don't forget to wipe the place behind the seat and the outside of the toilet bowl and the base.

13--Scrub the tub or shower and rinse. (if you want to wash the shower curtain you can wash it by it's self in the washing machine in cold water on the delicate cycle. Remove it promptly and hang back up to drip dry. NEVER put it in the dryer.)

14--If you have a linoleum floor or tile, mop the floor. If the room is small, you can spray your cleaner directly onto the floor and wipe it up with a sponge or cleaning rag. Let it dry for 10-15 minutes.

15--Put the rugs and knick knacks back. Check your toilet paper, and lay out fresh towels

16--Enjoy the benefits of a clean bathroom!

Buy a Home After a Bankruptcy

2009-07-18T06:44:00.000-07:00

Having a bankruptcy, foreclosure, or short sale on your credit report creates great challenges when it comes to buying a home, but with time and hard work, it still is possible. Here's how to overcome these challenges:

1. Mark your calendar accordingly:

A. If you filed Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, you may pursue owning a home 1 year after filing.

B. If you filed Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, you may pursue owning a home 2 years after your discharge date.

C. If you had a foreclosure or short sale, you may pursue home ownership 3 years from the date of the sheriff's sale/auction or short sale on your previous property. The only exception to the three year rule is if you had what are called "documented extenuating circumstances" such as death, disability, or job loss. Even then, lenders determine your fate on a case by case basis. In my experience, the most time I've seen cut off is a year.

D. If you have a bankruptcy and a foreclosure, lenders will require you to wait until your sheriff's sale/auction date is 3 years old.

2. Reestablish PERFECT credit.
A. Pay ALL your bills on time.
B. Understand there is no margin for error in the current credit environment.
C. Check, clean up, and raise your credit scores to 620+ preferably 740+.

1. Go to annualcreditreport.com and see what is on your credit report.

2. Dispute errors and any accounts included in bankruptcy.

3. Fax in your bankruptcy schedules and discharge to the credit bureaus.

4. If information about your foreclosure or short sale is inaccurate, fax in your foreclosure documentation.

3. Evaluate your economic situation:

A. Is your employment situation stable or unstable?

B. How much house can you afford to buy (including taxes and insurance) and still keep your total debt to income ratio below 40%?

C. How much money do you need to save for a 3.5-5%+ downpayment?

4. Prepare 6-12 Months Prior to Purchasing a Home.

A. Monitor interest rates.

B. Choose a mortgage lender who does FHA or VA loans because these programs give you a great low fixed interest rate even with a bankruptcy, foreclosure, or short sale 2-3 years old.

C. Get pre-approved 1-3 months prior to purchasing.

D. Provide your bankruptcy paperwork, foreclosure, and short sale documents.

E. If you filed a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, provide your pay history to the trustee.

F. Write a letter of explanation and provide documentation why your bankruptcy, foreclosure, or short sale occurred.

G. Pick at least 2 areas to look for homes.

H. Determine what your housing needs are i.e. number of bedrooms and baths, yard and garage size, fixer upper, etc.

I. Decide if you're going to work with a realtor or pursue "for sale by owner."

5. Find the Right Home for You!

A. Negotiate a fair purchase price.

B. Set a closing date after consulting with the sellers and your lender.

C. Provide your lender current paystubs and bank statements.

D. Have a home inspection done and be there when it's done.

E. After closing, notify your creditors, family and friends about your new address.

F. Move in and enjoy your new home!

Building window box for decoration

2009-07-18T06:38:00.000-07:00

Exterior windows can be easily decorated and jazzed with the addition of window boxes for plants, flowers and ferns. If your windows are dull and could use some decorating, add a window box.

With a window box, you have the benefit of mini-gardens growing right underneath your windows.

To start, measure the width of your window and purchase a wire window box the same width or as close as possible. Use an electric drill to mount the box under the window. Make sure you leave a little room between your home's exterior and the box itself, as trapped moisture can cause future damage to home exteriors.

Line the window box with a cocoa mat. Fill the box two-thirds fill with quality potting soil.

Now it's time to decorate. Keeping the plants within the pots, arrange them in different ways until you are happy with the balance and effect. Transfer the plants in the box, and leave about six inches breathing room between each plant. This would be a great time to add a slow-release fertilizer around the roots ans well. Remember not to pack the plants too tightly in the soil.

Use plants and flowers that compliment each other and consider using one unique long flowing plant as the focal point in each box. If you have three window boxes, consider using the same ivy plant in the center of each box. This adds style and balance to the entire array. Intermix your greens with color annuals, such as pansies and petunias. However, use one or two shades only to give it a planned look. Using too many colors tends to give a box a haphazard, thrown-together style.

Maintain your box by pruning dead heads off the annuals and cutting back ivies, directing them into new areas.

Sit back and enjoy your miniature gardens!

25 tools for indoor vegetable gardens

2009-07-18T06:36:00.000-07:00

The following is a list of the top 25 tools every indoor vegetable garden should contain. Although some are optional, I would recommend having atleast one of each item listed in order to ensure a properly maintained garden. This list was compiled during my experience growing, and is designed to let you know what materials you need to ensure the success, as well as, help you keep proper check on all of the elements involved in the growth of your plants.

1) HYDROGEN PEROXIDE

At number one on our list is hydrogen peroxide. It is an environmentally safe alternative to bleach for all your sterilizing and cleaning needs. Peroxide reduces diseases on cuttings and seedlings, while safely adding extra oxygen to the nutrient solution. Mix a 3% peroxide solution at a rate of 1 pint per gallon of water.

2) AQUARIUM THERMOMETER

Aquarium thermomters are a cheap, efficient way to to monitor the temperature in your garden, be sure to pick up extras to place in different spots in your garden. You can use them to monitor the temperatures of your germinating seeds, water reservoir and to spot check around the growroom.

3) TDS METER

A TDS meter is a device that tests the total dissolved solids in your nutrient solution, helping to ensure the nutrient levels in your solution are appropriate for your plants. A lot of failures have been the result of under or over fertilization, so this device can come in extremely handy.

4) WHITE PAINT

White paint comes in very handy in a growroom under any circumstances. When you cover the walls of your growroom in white paint it reflects a larger percentage of light, thereby, increasing the total amount of light available to your plants.

5) ANTI-TRANSPARENT SPRAY

Anti-transparent sprays prevent cutting(clones) from wilting by coating the leaves in a non-toxic film. These sprays eliminate the need for misting with water and humidity domes, and reduces the risk of fungus.

6) QUALITY ELECTRICAL CORDS AND CONNECTIONS

Make sure to use only the proper gauge wires when connecting lights in your indoor growroom. Always make sure to check your breaker box to ensure that there are no overloaded circuits. If you have no basic understanding of electricity, find someone to install all your electric appliances, so as, to not risk injury to yourself.

7) WATER FILTER

Much of the countries water supply is unsuitable for growing plants. The most common problems are toxic levels of chlorine compounds, excessive minerals and an improper ph. Most inexpensive filters remove chlorine, but can't reduce the amount of mineral content. Removing minerals requires costlier distillers, reverse-osmosis units and deionizers, but don't use water softening filters, they add harmfull amounts of sodium to the water.

8) A NOTEBOOK

A notebook comes in handy for all sorts of things. Whethers its to find out when your last watering was, the height of your plants at different point, how much each plant produced or to compare how much one plant grows in one kind of fertilizer and how much a clone from the same plant grows in a different fertilizer, a notebook can be very beneficial.

9) INSECTICIDAL SOAP

Insecticidal soap kills a wide variety of garden pests. It works by coating the skin of the insect, so they never develop a tolerance like they do with chemical sprays. While most sprays should be avoided during a plants fruiting period, insecticidal soap breaks down within a week and is safe to use lightly in extreme circumstances.

10) GERMICIDAL SOAP

For you, not the plants. Before handling plants, especially new clones, a wise precaution would be to thoroughly sterilize your hands. Be sure to clean the tips, they harbor the most germs on the hand.

11) PATIENCE

Rome wasn't built in a day, and your garden will likely follow its example. Give your plants time to grow and react to changes you may make. Resist the temptation to add fertilizer when you just added some yesterday, and you feel they need more, gardening is a slow, productive, art that takes time and patience to create.

12) GOOD LIGHTING

It is quite possible to grow decent plants under fluorescent lights, but your vegetables and other plants yields will vastly increase with high-intensity discharge lamps(metal halide or high-pressure sodium).

13) OZONE UNIT OR IONIZER

Ozone units and ionizers are very effective in the destruction of airborne pollen, mold and fungi spores and bacterias that can be harmful to your plants health. They can also help keep the air in the room clean from cobwebs and dust reducing predators that find these kinds of atmospheres welcoming.

14) AQUARIUM POWERHEAD

These water pumps are perfect for hydroponic applications. They are cheaper and more efficient than pumps sold at other specialty stores. Since surface circulation in your reservoir is what adds the most oxygen into your water, simply aim the powerhead along the surface of the water for maximum circulation and oxygenization.

15) CALENDAR

A calendar is good to keep track of things such as when to change the water in the reservoir, light bulb changes, ballast changes and other important maintenance that you might accidentally forget.

16) GARDEN CLIPPERS

Garden clippers are a necessity, especially when dealing with taking cuttings. They can also be used to prune your plants, in case their foliage begins to overgrow any of your other plants. I, personally, would recommend a spring action pair of gardening scissors.

17) FERTILIZER

Although organic fertilizers such as cow manure and bat guano are preferred for vegetables, indoors these present a bug and disease hazard. Water soluble fertilizers, like Peters and Miracle Grow, are therefore recommended to limit risks to your garden health. Always follow the manufacturers usage instructions for best results.

18) MAGNIFYING GLASS

A magnifying glass is useful in finding insect and might infestations. With a good 30x magnifier($10 at Radio Shack) you can also locate the larger insects eggs, allowing you to more effectively use your insecticide sprays to irradicate an infestation early, before insects or mites do any major damage.

19) RUBBING ALCOHOL

A good bottle of isopropyl alcohol makes an excellent sterilizing agent. Use it to clean your TDS meter electrodes(weekly), to polish your HID bulbs, to clean your cloning table and other tools that are involved in you garden.

20) DUCT TAPE

Duct tape is an all-purpose fix-it all. From taping together cords to taping my calendar on the wall to taping stakes to the sides of my plant containers, duct tape is perfect for anyreasonable size garden.

21) PH METER

When your plants seem kind of droopy and you are sure that you have supplied all elements for your plants to grow, then you might have a pH problem. You should monitor your tap water, nutrient solution, and soil with a digital pH meter. To test your soil make a slurry of the soil and distilled water, and then test with the meter. Check your plant varieties pH needs, match them and watch your plants flourish.

22) EXTRA EQUIPMENT

Spares always seem to come in handy at one point or another. In the growroom it is always important to have a spare everything. Whether it's bulbs, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, fertilizers or garden clippers you will eventually find it useful.

23) SCALES

Scales are a very important part of your indoor gardening experience. They allow you to weigh your end product and chart your progress in your notebook. You will be able to chart each plants growth and harvest weight to decide on which are the best plants fit for your garden.

24) CLEANING PRODUCTS

You should always have a broom, mini-vac, and/or garbage can, preferably all three. You never know when an accident might occur or if something will spill. A clean grow room also helps prevent a lot of germs and insects from entering your garden, making it an inhospitable environment for them to live in.

25) GROW GUIDES

No matter how much information I give you, you will still need a grow guide for your particular plant. A plant guide can help you figure out what the proper pH of the soil

should be, what nutrient levels it needs for optimum growth and the amount of light needed for the fastest amount of growth possible.

As always, be careful in your activities. You should always take all precautions when dealing with an indoor garden, especially when electricity is involed. I hope the tools I suggested are useful to you, and help provide you with the best indoor garden harvest ever.

Indoor vegetable gardening

2009-07-18T06:35:00.000-07:00

Growing plants indoors is especially fun and rewarding. When you are able to eat delicious vegetables from your plants it is even more exciting. Indoor gardening is a wonderful tool for those who have very little space and for those who are unable to bend. Indoor gardeners also love the fact that there is very little weed problem, no hot sun shining down on them, and it is so much easier to have good soil without covering a large area.

Indoor vegetables can be grown easily in any pot or container. Plastic is less expensive usually, but anything will work. Plastic gets hotter than ceramic containers. Ceramic containers seem to be the favorite among indoor gardeners. The most important part of the container is making sure that there is drainage in the bottom. If you are using plastic or metal containers, using an ice pick or another sharp object easily makes holes.

Different gardeners will tell you different ingredients to prepare the best soil. The soil should be lightweight and drain well. A mix that works well is and equal amount by volume of silica, sand, perlite and forest mulch. There is another favorite of equal parts of sharp coarse sand, native soil and compost or peat moss. If your vegetables are growing in hanging containers, you will need a light mix of equal parts of perlite, black peat moss and vermiculite. All nurseries also have premixed mixers, but you will pay a little more for these.

Getting the containers ready for planting is easy. After you have established the fact that there is adequate drainage, add the mixed soil. The soil should be lightly packed. If the soil is packed too tightly, there will be problems with root development, drainage and aeration. When you fill the container with soil, make sure there is between one and two inches of space at the top for watering.

It is best to stick with the same basic schedule for indoor gardening as you do with outdoor gardening for when to plant which vegetables. You can start vegetables from seed much easier indoors because you don’t have to wait for certain weather conditions. As the seeds sprout, make sure that you thin them. One squash or broccoli seed will make a very large plant. Starting your indoor gardens from nursery purchased plants is fun because you have instant beauty in your containers.

Cherry tomatoes are especially fun. They will continue to grow for a very long time as you continue to pick off the little tomatoes. They are very pretty. They can be grown with or without stakes to hold them up, depending on your preference.

Herbs are another favorite for indoor gardeners. They are perfect for container gardening. Many of them are very attractive and will spill over the containers. Most also have a very fragrant odor. Mint, rosemary, chives and cilantro grow best in the cooler months. They can be grown from cuttings, seed or transplants.

Plant stands are an excellent way to show off your indoor gardens. They come in many varieties so let your imagination run wild. Plant stands can be easily made with bricks and any boards. Window sills, ladders, ledges, shelves, tables, and just about anything, can be used to make a beautiful indoor garden.

Garage sales are a perfect way to purchase inexpensive plant containers. If you decide to paint your containers, make sure that you only paint the outside. Painting the inside could contaminate the soil and give you all kinds of growing problems. If you are using spray paint, make sure that you cover the top of your container while painting. Sponge painting is an excellent way to decorate your containers. Take any sponge one half to one inch thick, cut into any shape, dampen the sponge and dip lightly into any ceramic coat paint. Most people use too much paint in sponge painting . Sponge a couple of times onto another surface first before sponging your containers. Your indoor garden becomes a bright, lovely area with a little paint.

The only downside that is usually found in indoor gardening is the watering. Plants grown in containers need more care and more attention than plants grown outside. Outside you can use timers and irrigate with drip systems. Indoor gardeners need to water by hand and more frequently because plants dry out faster in containers. If you are patio gardening, this is especially important. Sometimes new, small plants have to be watered more than once a day.

Enjoy your indoor gardening. It’s fun, inexpensive and rewarding.

How to Save Energy in the Summer

2009-07-14T18:49:00.000-07:00

Utility bills don't have to skyrocket just because the temperature does. These guidelines follow the recommendations of Pacific Gas and Electric Company.

*Use exterior shades, awnings or deciduous plants to shelter your house from sunlight.

*Keep your air conditioning condenser shaded.

*Keep your furnace pilot light off during the summer.

*Use pool covers to prevent heat loss by evaporation and to save energy.

*Reduce pool water temperature and limit the number of months you heat your pool.

Daily Energy-Saving Tips

*Close your windows whenever you're cooling your home.

*Consider installing a programmable thermostat for your air conditioner, which will bring the temperature down in small increments when set in program mode.

*Close off rooms that don't need cooling if you have individual room thermostat controls.

*Clean air conditioner filters regularly.

*Check regularly to see that your pool cleaning and heating equipment is clean and lubricated.

10 Steps to Creat an Organized Kitchen

2009-07-14T18:44:00.000-07:00

You've got three half-full bottles of vinegar in your cupboard and your utensil drawer is a minefield of knife tips and mangled wire whisks. Time to get organized!

Step1--Go through your kitchen and discard anything you don't use, along with any food, spices or medicines that are beyond their expiration dates.

Step 2--Take everything out of your cupboards and drawers, and wash the insides with warm soapy water. Rinse, let dry and replace cupboard and drawer liners.

Step 3--Store pots, pans and cooking utensils near the stove, nesting the pots and pans together to conserve space.

Step 4--Store dishes and silverware near your eating area and/or dishwasher. Use racks and silverware holders to maximize use of space.

Step 5--Be sure that children are able to reach items they use. Put things they should not use - such as sharp tools, alcohol and cleaning chemicals - well out of reach.

Step 6--Alphabetize your spices and keep them near the stove on a spice rack or in a nearby cupboard on a revolving rack.

Step 7--Remove large and seldom-used items from countertops and store them in a cupboard. For appliances that you use often, consider adding an 'appliance barn,' which can store toasters, blenders, juicers and other appliances on the countertop without clutter.

Step 8--Store food items that you use on a daily basis in accessible spots, and store all like food items together - for example, tea and sugar.

Step 9--Put food that may become infested with insects into sturdy plastic containers and seal them.

Step 10--Use drawer dividers to organize utensils.

5 Ways to Improve the Value of Your Property Without Spending Much Money

2009-07-13T20:39:00.001-07:00

There are many small improvements that can be made to a property to increase its value tremendously! Here are five great ideas.

1. Paint! This is a great way to make your house stand out from the others around it. A fresh new coat will give it a clean cut look that any potential buyer or tenant is looking for. And when choosing a paint color, don't just choose the cheapest. Use sound judgment in your choice of contemporary colors or appropriate colors for the age and style of the house. Make sure that you don't just paint everything the same color either. Use contrasting colors on the window frames, doors, and shutters.

2. Change the mail box! This is a simple fix but can pay big dividends. It is part of creating curb appeal. You want to draw the buyer or tenant toward the house not drive them away. Mail boxes are usually made of cheap material which can deteriorate quite quickly. Reinstalling a sturdy plastic box seems to be the best choice over metal boxes which can dent and rust. Sticking the house numbers on the new box is also a plus

3. Landscape! There are many simple things outside the house in terms of landscaping that can be done to draw potential tenants or buyers to your property. The first thing that can be done is to dig some beds in the front of the house and around the perimeter and throw down some mulch. Then, plant some good looking shrubs or small trees like barberries or spirals next to the front steps. Plant them in some type of symmetrical order to maintain the neatness of the property. Flowers can also be planted in those areas like bulbs along the side of the house or various types of flowers among the shrubbery in the front. Keep the grass cut and looking neat. Fill in bare spots with soil and seed and keep moist to make sure it will take root. A manicured lawn can work wonders!

4. Install a garbage disposal in the kitchen sink! Years ago, it may have been considered a luxury to have one but these days more and more people are wondering how they could do without one. Again, you are thinking about an addition that costs a small amount relative to the return it will generate with a potential buyer or tenant.

5. Install a dishwasher! Again, as with a garbage disposal, a dishwasher is now a modern convenience that few know how to get along without. If your property does not have one, you can install one fairly inexpensively. This in turn will attract potential tenants or buyer at a much higher rate, you will be able to depreciate this asset so it creates a tax benefit, and the general value of your property will rise.

Following these five tips will definitely help ad value to your property. You must think about the value added when performing these tasks. If you take this advise, you will not be disappointed at the value it will create and your potential buyer or tenant will be to choose your property over another.

The Short Sale Process Simplified

2009-07-13T20:36:00.001-07:00

You hear a lot about short sales these days. If you are a buyer, chances are you have come across several short sale properties that are listed on the market in your area. In fact in some condo buildings or subdivisions, there are many properties that are short sales, especially if they were purchased during 2004 through 2006 when the market was at its height.

Definition of Short Sale

A short sales occurs when the seller owes more on their mortgage than their home is worth in today's market. The seller's lender must approve the sale to the new buyer before the transaction can take place. The seller's lender will write off the unpaid balance of the loan deducting the sale price from the mortgage balance. The seller then owes nothing and can walk away from the home.

Short Sale Process

First step in a short sale process contacting the lender to see if the property qualifies for a short sale. If the owner/borrower has other assets which would enable them to pay off their mortgage, then the lender will not approve the short sale and could get a deficiency judgment against the homeowner for the difference of the amount owed on the loan and the sale price of the home. Working with a short-sale savvy investor is key in getting your short sale approved with no deficiency judgment.

If the property does qualify, then the owner will generally contact an investment company to work with directly or list it with a Realtor and have the Realtor market the property for sale to potential buyers. Once an offer is negotiated between the seller and the buyer/investor, the offer will be presented to the seller's lender for approval. There may be more than one offer presented to the lender, and the lender can choose the highest and best offer.

Who Qualifies for a Short Sale?

A seller that can prove a financial hardship and substantiate why they cannot make their current mortgage payments as a result of a job loss, wage reduction, an illness or divorce generally will qualify for a short sale providing they do not have other assets that would enable them to pay off their mortgage. A decline in home values is another reason why the seller would not be able to sell the home other than in a short sale because they would not be able to get enough money from the proceeds of the sale to pay the mortgage balance off.

Information to Provide the Lender

The lender will require a hardship letter and proof of the financial hardship such as copies of the last two paycheck stubs of the homeowner, two months bank statements, last two year's tax returns and copies of W-2's or 1099's. They will also need a copy of the brokerage listing agreement and the purchase and sale agreement, and both will require the lender's approval before the sale can be completed. If the attorney or other third party is going to negotiate the short sale, then the seller will need to sign an authorization letter allowing the lender to negotiate with the third party on their behalf and submit that with the other documentation referenced above.

Time Frame

A short sale approval can take on average anywhere from 60 days to 90 days or longer. The lender may counter the buyer's offer and want more money so the buyer should be prepared that even though the seller accepted the buyer's offer it is contingent on the lender's approval. The buyer will need to be patient. Many short sales fall apart before the lenders have even assigned a negotiator to the property because the process take so long the buyers find other properties or just get tired of waiting.

Advantages

The advantage of a short sale is that the owner can save their home from foreclosure and their credit. The seller simply walks away at the closing not owing any money on their mortgage. Of course, they have lost their equity in the property by that time. A foreclosure costs the lender on an average $50,000 so it is smarter for the lender to approve the short sale and save the time and money of going through a foreclosure proceeding. The buyer/investor generally gets to purchase a property at or below market value. It's a win win situation for all parties.

Disadvantages

The biggest disadvantage of a short sale is the time involved. If the seller is too far behind in their mortgage payments, there is a possibility that the home will go to foreclosure anyway even if the lender says the property qualifies, if there is no offer from a buyer to purchase the property within the time frame needed to stop the foreclosure. There is no guarantee that the lender is going to approve the buyer's offer anyway, and the home may still go to foreclosure.

Many Realtors do not like to show short sale properties because there is such a long waiting period for the transaction to be approved and for the Realtor to get their commission. It may take longer for the seller to find a buyer for their property if buyers and Realtors are hesitant to look at short sale properties. Generally investors are good candidates for short sale properties because they have the time and patience to wait for the lender's decision. Even so about half of the short sales under contract don't close because either the buyer walks away or the bank and the buyer/investor cannot agree upon a purchase price acceptable to both parties.

However, a short sale is a much better alternative for the seller than simply waiting for the lender to foreclose on the property.

Quickly Sell Your House by Using This Checklist

2009-07-13T20:33:00.001-07:00

Don't let people tell you that selling a house, especially quickly, is an easy thing. There is a process involved to sell your house. Wouldn't it be nice if all we had to do was 1) publish our house, 2) meet a potential buyer, 3) negotiate, 4) sell the house? But as most of us know, it doesn't work that way.

We have prepared a checklist to sell your house. Now, by following this checklist, there are no guarantees, but it should make it easier to sell your house, and more quickly too.

A) Do you want to have an agent to sell your house or would you rather do it yourself? Sure, there are fees and commissions involved if you use an agent, but you may decide it's worth it. An agent will carry out all the business of your home in correlation of your checklist. But, it you decide you want to do it yourself, it will cost you effort and time, but it will save you money.

B) Be an informed seller and you will have to communicate. This is all correlated with your promotion strategy. Don't forget to use the media, such as the newspaper, pamphlet, and one of the biggies in today's society--the web, the Internet.

C) Have you done preparations on the house itself? Don't forget this, or else your house will have a tough time selling and will not sell quickly. How's the house's exterior and interior. Does it need repairing or painting? How are the appliances in the home? You might have to decide if you are going to pay a professional to do pre-listing house inspection of not.

D) You might have to sell you unnecessary furniture or appliances.

E) Now comes the big one that one's don't want to face sometimes: Getting familiar with financing terms, like mortgage financing.What is fixed, adjustable, seller financing, assumable loans, pre-qualified, pre-approved, commitment, escrow, etc.

F) Another one that people sometimes hates: Negotiation. Are you up-to-speed on contract, offer, deal, etc. You should learn how to do offer approaching and the legal transaction process.

G) Learn to know what you can improve or can't improve in your house. You can improve interior, exterior, etc, but you cannot improve the location of the house, or the style of the house, etc.

H) Will you be providing a home warranty to your house?

I) Have you decided what you will do at the closing and settlement to the buyer?

J) Lastly, have you made moving plans?

Hopefully, this checklist will provide some help for you to sell your house, and quickly too, but as you can see, there are several things you need to consider when selling your house. Now, if you decide to pay a realty agent to organize all these things, just let them carry it out, and your involvement in this home selling process will decrease.

Remove Wallpaper Easily

2009-07-12T18:49:00.000-07:00

Wallpapers can sometimes be a pain in your neck, especially when they have become completely worn out. The old, dingy wallpapers can, in fact, abate the beauty of an otherwise decent home. If your friends have been suggesting you to contest in ugly wallpapers competition, it is time for you to let go of your old wallpaper. We agree that doing so is not easy, not only because of sentimental reasons, but also because of its strict adherence to the wall. Removing wallpapers can be messy and difficult. However, this complicated process can be made easier with the help of right tools and techniques. Moreover, it needs time and patience and if not done properly, it can damage the wall itself. In cannot afford to hire a professional for removing the wallpaper or you want to do it as a DIY project, here are some tips to help you out. Read on to know how to remove wallpaper simply and effortlessly.

Removing Wallpapers

*The first thing, which you have to do, is take everything off the wall, from which you want to strip the paper. Move the furniture out of the room and put drop cloths on the rugs, carpets as well as the floor. You can even consider fastening the drop cloth with something, as it shifts faster.

*Before starting the wallpaper removal process, check whether your walls are made of concrete or drywall. A plastered wall is less delicate and so you can scrape hard, if the paper doesn’t come out. However, it is not a good idea to do so with drywalls, as they may get damaged by hard scraping.

*If the walls are plastered, you can use the dry stripping method. Take a plastic scraper, which is easily available in hardware shops, and start with a corner. If the paper comes off in thin long strips, your job is easy. Just scrape all the papers and find your walls wallpaper-free.

*If the wallpapers are very old or a multiple of wallpapers have been used, one after other, it would take you longer to strip them out. You will have to work patiently and slowly, to get rid of them.

*If your plastered walls have been mistreated and layered with multiple of wallpapers, using steamers is a good option. Steam the wall, starting from a small section and working from top to bottom. Allow the steam to sir for about five minutes and then remove it with the help of a scraper.

*You may need to repeat the process 4-5 times, to get the wallpaper completely off the wall. After you have stripped the walls, you can wash them with soapy water, to take off the glue.

*You can also use your own mixture for removing the wallpapers. Mix half a gallon of hot water with half a cup of fabric softener. Wet your wallpaper evenly with this mixture and leave for twenty minutes. Now, remove the wallpaper with a putty knife or scraper.

Growing Your Own Coffee Beans

2009-07-12T18:46:00.000-07:00

Coffee, first discovered in the highlands of Ethiopia, is consumed throughout the world today. One of the most popular beverages across the globe, it is drunk hot as well as cold. Prepared from roasted coffee seeds, it has an appetizing aroma and a distinct taste. Though most of the people buy their coffee beans, or ground coffee, from the market, it is possible to grow them at home as well. In fact, growing your own coffee beans is an interesting process, which is quite easy as well. Apart from being the source of coffee, the plant is pretty to look at as well. If you want to know more on how to grow coffee beans at home, the instructions provided below are just what you would like to read.

Growing Your Own Coffee Beans

Supplies Needed

*Seeds
*Coffee Sacks
*Pot (terracotta)
*Vermiculite
*Well-mulched Grass
*Acidic Soil
*Sand/ Gravel Dust
*Manure/ Orchid Fertilizer
*Artificial Indoor Plant Lighting
*Large Containers

Instructions

*First of you, you need to procure the coffee seeds. In this context, using full coffee cherries is advisable, if it's possible.
*Next step will comprise of pre-germinating the seeds. For the purpose, you will have to soak them in water, for 24 hours.
*Take two coffee sacks and dampen them slightly. Place the coffee seeds in the middle of the two sacks. Water the sacks twice daily, allowing them to drain as well.
*Within a period of 12 to 24 hours, you will find a very small white bump on the end of the coffee seeds, a sign that they have germinated.
*Take a 1½ -2½ inches deep pot, preferably terracotta, and fill it with vermiculite.
*Plant the coffee seeds in vermiculite, watering them to keep them moist. Use plastic wrap to make a cover for the plants.
*For the next 60 days, keep the seeds moist, but not wet. Adding a thin layer of well-mulched grass, over vermiculite, will help preserve moisture.
*By this time, you willbegin to see sprouts. Remove them from the vermiculite.
Transfer the sprouts to an acidic soil with a high nitrogen concentration. Add some sand or gravel dust, to make the soil porous.
*Fertilize the soil, by adding manure or an orchid fertilizer. This will help maintain acidity (low pH) and sustain mineral levels.
*For the next four months, keep the sprouts moist and use artificial indoor plant lighting to help them grow.
*After 4 months, by which time you must be able to see leaves on your plants, re-pot the plants.
*After shifting the coffee plants to large containers, make sure to keep watering and fertilizing them. It will take a few years for them to bear fruit.

Smart Methods To Do Desert Landscaping

2009-07-12T18:45:00.000-07:00

Desert landscaping is one of the contemporary forms of landscaping, which has gained immense popularity in the recent times. Popularly known as 'going green landscaping', this method generally makes use of desert plants, thereby saving a lot of water, otherwise used for irrigation. It is a type of landscaping prevalent in desert areas or those places wherein planting and maintaining a beautiful, flowering garden seems to be a challenging task. Apart from the desert plants, you can also make use of the plants that are native to your place and require very less water to thrive. If you want to know how to do desert landscaping, this article will be handy. Go through the following lines and get some desert home landscaping ideas.

Desert Home Landscaping Ideas

*Browse through magazines and the Internet, to get some ideas about what style you want for your desert landscape. Consider the space available and the money you want to put into the project, while taking a decision.

*Generally, draught-tolerant plants are chosen for desert landscaping. Such plants are accustomed to dryness as well as receiving tremendous amount of sunlight. Cactus, lamb's ear plant, long-wood blue bluebeard (shrub), hens and chicks plant and aloe vera are some of the sun plants that can be chosen for this type of landscaping.

*Irrigation is an aspect that should be handled tactfully, when you are doing desert landscaping. Drip irrigation system, which requires minimal amount of water, is best suited for this landscape.

*Wind is a factor that can directly affect the growth of plants in your desert garden. Plants can be easily blown away by high wind speeds. Therefore, it is vital to create a barrier, say partition walls, in order to redirect the wind away from the plants, so that they grow uninterrupted.

*Group plants according to their needs of irrigation. Make use of slopes to provide a runoff area for rain, so that the plants that need the highest concentration of water are irrigated well. This will save a lot of water as well, because irrigation will be done according to the needs of the plants.

*Plant the flowers and trees before putting the rocks and gravel. You can, in fact, soften the sturdy appearance of the rocks by surrounding them with desert plants.

*Desert landscape is an economical way to grow plants. This is because apart from the less requirement of water, the fertilizers and nutrients used for desert landscape are also cheap.

Types Of Grass

2009-07-12T18:42:00.000-07:00

While designing on the type of lawn you want to maintain, amongst the first things that should be considered is the type of grass that you would like to use. However, apart from the overall appearance of a grass, there are a number of other factors that you need to keep in mind, while deciding about the one to be planted in your lawn. These include the type of climate in your region, the nature of soil in your lawn, the amount of traffic the lawn is likely to receive, amount of rainfall and sunlight that it will get, and so on. In the following lines, we have detailed the most popular types of grass, to help you make the decision wisely.

Different Types Of Grasses

Warm Season Grasses

Bermuda Grass
Native to North Africa, Asia and Australia and southern Europe, Bermuda grass is drought as well as cold tolerant. The blades are gray-green in color, resistant to majority of the diseases and tend to spread quickly and easily.

St. Augustine Grass
Mostly seen in the tropical and subtropical regions, St. Augustine grass is deep rooted and has the ability to grow in a short duration of time. It is tough in nature, forms a thick lawn very easily and requires low to medium maintenance.

Buffalo Grass
Another one of the warm season grasses that are considered drought tolerant, Buffalo grass is native to North America. A perennial short grass, it is known for low maintenance, having fine roots and withstanding extremes of temperature.

Zoysia Grass
Native to southeastern and eastern Asia (north to China and Japan) and Australasia, Zoysia comprises of eight species of creeping grasses. All of them have the ability of withstanding drought and are highly resilient in nature.

Bahiagrass
Resistant to drought as well as insect attacks, Bahiagrass is native to America and falls in the category of perennial grasses. It can survive in a wide variety of soils, but you will need to undertake maintenance to some an extent.

Cool Season Grasses

Kentucky Blue Grass
Native to the temperate regions of both hemispheres, Kentucky Blue Grass is so known because of the purplish blue phase of its seed stems. Comprising of both annual and perennial species, the grass is resilient to damage, to quite an extent.

Fine Fescue
Fine Fescue grass is known for its ability to survive extremes of cold temperature. It is also shade tolerant to some an extent and can easily survive with low maintenance. However, it cannot tolerate too much wear and tear.

Perennial Ryegrass
Perennial Ryegrass, as the name suggests, lasts for one season only and is mostly used as temporary ground cover. It grows easily as well as quickly and is best suited to moist, cool environments (where extremes are not witnessed).

Tall Fescue
Perennial in nature, Tall Fescue grass has a bunch-type growth and is quite susceptible to weeds. It can easily grow in shady areas and is perfect for lawns that witness high traffic. The grass has high draught tolerance as well.

Red Fescue
Mostly found in the northern and temperate areas, Red Fescue grass is quite popular in shaded, mountain sites. It can easily sustain itself through droughts, has a fine growth and boasts of narrow blades in deep green color.

Home Landscape Design Ideas

2009-07-10T16:13:00.000-07:00

Have ample space in front of your house and don't know what to do with it? Why don't you create a landscape of your own? Apart from adding visual appeal to your home, landscape designing also provides you the opportunity to indulge your creativity in something useful and productive. In case you are feeling nervous at the prospect, mainly because you don't have much of an idea about it, we are at your service. Go through the following lines and explore home landscape design ideas, listed just for you!

Designing Your Home Landscape

Plants
While designing your home landscape, try to go for local plants and trees only. This is because they will require much less care on your part, as compared to the foreign ones. If possible, use the plants and trees to create a fence around the landscape. You should make an effort to plant something new in every season, so that your landscape always seems to be a sight for the sore eyes. If you are planning to lay down a flower bed, take care that it is layered, with the tallest plants behind and the shortest ones right in the front.

Decorations
While planning a landscape at your place, you should take into consideration the decorations as well, which prove to be the focal points of attention. In this context, you can consider bird feeders, bird baths, hanging baskets and clay pottery (including vases), all of which add to the beauty of a garden. You can also mull over getting a bridge at the entrance of the garden. Then, there is the option of putting up a swing, for decoration as well as relaxation purposes. Whatever you do, make sure that decorations don't interfere with plant growth.

Color Schemes
You should make use of variety of color schemes, to add visual appeal to your landscape. You can opt for either monochromatic or the complimentary color scheme for the purpose. In the former, the colors adjacent to each other on the color wheel are used together (for instance, green and yellow). Such a scheme basically involves hues of the same color. In the complimentary scheme, the colors that fall opposite to each other, in the color wheel, are used. An example for this would be red and green.

Hobby Greenhouses
With the passing time, hobby greenhouses are becoming a popular choice for a home landscape. Apart from adding an interesting character to your landscape, a greenhouse would also prove to be a source of learning for your kids. They would be able to explore different exotic plants through these portable structures, that too without the hassle of going outside. One can find a wide variety in hobby greenhouses, that too at affordable prices. So, go ahead and get one for your landscape as well.

Some Tips
--If you feel that you are too busy to spend time in designing your landscape, landscape design software will be the best bet. As you feed in the dimensions of the garden, the software will suggests different designs that would be perfect for your place.

--While designing your home landscape, make sure to use each and every inch of space available. As for the design, it should be kept simple and pleasing to the eye.

--It is a great idea to have a waterfall installed as a part of your home landscape. It not only enhances the appeal of the garden, but the sound of water falling into the pool is also soothing to the mind.

Making Your Own Spa Bathroom

2009-07-10T16:10:00.000-07:00

Though making your own home seems like a dream job, it is not all fun and excitement. It requires a lot of hard work, as you need to pay attention to every minute detail and make sure that the instructions are well understood, interpreted and executed, so that your dream castle is built exactly the way you want to it to be. While making your home, you keep in mind every little detailing of your bedroom, hall and kitchen, but often tend to ignore the bathroom. However, it is the place where you can actually sit back, relax and shut out the rest of the world. So, you must make this place a comfort zone. One of the best ideas is to go for a spa bathroom, where all these needs can be met easily! Read on to know how to create a spa bathroom.

Making Your Own Spa Bathroom

Whirlpool Bathtub
The first and foremost thing that is vital for a spa bathroom is a whirlpool tub, or soaking tub. Keeping in mind that this type of bathtub is about five to ten times more costly than a traditional one, it may seem a little extravagant at the first go. However, you will realize its worth once you come from a stressful day at work and spend an hour at your whirlpool tub, relaxing and leaving back all your worries in there.

Selection Of Bathtub
Once you have decided that you want to go for a whirlpool tub, the second issue is selecting one. The selection of the tub will depend entirely upon your usage. However, the size of tub that would fit in your bathroom and whether you want it to be heated or not is entirely your jurisdiction. If you have space, it is generally nice to put the tub in a small, recessed alcove or simply on a raised platform, to separate it from the rest of the bathroom.

Walk-in Showers
Walk-in showers are amongst the popular elements of a spa bathroom. Made of ceramic tile, natural stone, glass blocks, marble or glass tiles, they have a rainfall showerhead, which is mounted into the ceiling. Some walk-in showers also include multiple body jets that are located in the space along each side wall of the shower. Select the one that suits your needs the best.

Double Vanity
Another feature that is vital in a spa bathroom is a double vanity. You need to have a private closet in the bathroom, so that you do not end up fighting with your spouse for sink space! Generally, a double vanity is sixty inches long, but if you are ready to spend some extra bucks, you can get it customized as per your needs as well. This will solve the problem of someone disturbing you in the spa, to use the bathroom for practical reasons.

Heating
Heated flooring and towel bars are more a necessity, rather than a luxury, in a spa bathroom. After all, who wants to get out of a warm cozy tub and get exposed to a cold place? So, you need to have in-floor heating with ceramic tiles in your bathroom. In case you want to have some aesthetic heating in your spa zone, go for gas, electric or wood fireplace. At times, it is very calming to sit and watch the fire, while you relax in the bathtub.

Lighting
Lighting is very important factor that you need to keep in concern, while designing your spa bathroom. You will certainly need several kinds of lighting in the bathroom. Bright, natural light would be required in the vanity area, while in the whirlpool area; you'll need indirect and dimmer lights. Overhead light source in the shower will also be required. To give a natural look to your bathroom, include as many windows as possible.

Decor
Last, but not the least, the décor and ambience of your bathroom matters a lot. If you are going for a spa bathroom, go for a color that aids relaxation. Generally, people go for cream, pale blues and greens and light-colored woods, but you can choose any other color you feel soothing. Also, include cabinet space and shelving in your bathroom, to store all the things you need. Your plumbing fixtures, like taps, basin and showers, should be practical as well as beautiful. Please do not go for too intricate designs, as they seem very artificial.

How To Make A Small Place Look Bigger

2009-07-10T16:08:00.000-07:00

Having a small home is a brunt that we have to carry around for more reasons than one. Owning a big house in a city is what we all dream for, but very few of us are able to achieve it. Then, there are many people who go for a studio or single bedroom apartment just because the idea of living alone in a big house doesn’t appeal to them. However, when friends come over or you throw a party, a small apartment may look very cluttered and put off many. Whether you don't have the budget to buy a big house or just prefer a cozy little studio apartment, you can surely give a deception of bigness to your small house itself. How? Read on to know how you can make a small place look bigger, by utilizing the right props, in the right way.

Making Your Small Place Look Larger

Furniture
Multipurpose furniture, like sofa beds, folding tables, and beds with drawers, can be used for a variety of purposes, while saving space. Making use of such furniture will help you avoid the cluttered look. At the same time, scale the furniture, to fit the size of the room. Instead of filling it with many small furniture items, go for a few big-sized ones. Furniture shouldn’t block your pathways, as it makes the room feel cramped. Having furniture in the same color as the wall color makes the room looks bigger. You should set your furniture at an angle, instead of placing it in a straight line, as it gives the deception of space.

Lighting
Make your room open up, by letting the natural light come inside. The flow of natural light, from windows or doors, can really make a space look bigger. If you are having a day party, let sunlight lit up the rooms. If your rooms are naturally dark and there is no way you can bring the natural light in, try adding some lighting features. If you want something on a permanent basis, you can surely try going for full-height glass panes, instead of small windows.

Mirrors
A mirror not only reflects the light (natural and artificial), to make a room look brighter and bigger as well, but also gives the illusion of depth. You can put mirrors on the walls or cabinets, which bounce the light back and make the space appear large. Another idea would be to replace the cabinet doors with mirrored ones. You can even have glass-top tables and mirrors on window sides.

Color Tricks
Playing with colors is one of the best ways to make your room appear larger. Pink, light green, beige, and sky blue are the colors you can choose to make your room look bigger. You can also color your ceilings in white color, as it will make them appear farther back and open up the space.

Focus On Window
The focus on window can give a wider horizon to the room and can make it look more expansive. Use windows to give the illusion of connectivity to everything that can be seen through them. Enhance the attraction of the windows by hanging paintings and keeping vases near them.

Maintain Coordination
Instead of going for zigzag designs, use subtle colors in your room and coordinate them with your decoration, to give a calming effect. Work to create long lines and use similar colors. Avoid colorful wallpapers; rather go for simple, sober ones. Flimsy fabrics work best for windows drapes and tablecloths, while plain upholstery and a few pieces of art and accessories can enhance the overall appeal.

Avoid Clutter
A room that is full of clutter looks much smaller that it is. So, keep your room tidy and neat, to make it look spacious and maintain a general hygiene. Everything should be arranged in an order. Keep the floor clean and instead of covering it with many small rugs, go for one single, big one. Make sure to let some part of the floor be seen too, as it gives the illusion of more floor space.

10 Things to Grow in Your Garden This Season

2009-07-09T20:04:00.001-07:00

Are you hoping to establish a flourishing garden this year? If so, you are not alone. More people than ever are starting gardens. Some are hoping for organic produce. Others are looking for ways to cut down on the grocery budget. The following are ten of the most beneficial items to grow in your garden and why you may want to do so.

1. Tomatoes: Perhaps the best option for long term use is the tomato. Choose a variety like Italian Romas or Beefstake which are hearty. Use them in salads, make tomato sauce with them which you can store long term in jars. You can also make stewed tomatoes and salsa and have it available to you year round. Tomatoes are fairly easy to grow, too.

2. Herbs: Growing a few herbs in your garden (or in a small container near a kitchen window) is a fantastic way to freshen up meals. Choose herbs like rosemary, cilantro, parsley, and basil. They can be dried for long term use.

3. Cucumbers: These are some of the easiest vegetables to grow. They do take up a bit of room, but kids love this fresh taste.

4. Peppers: Bell peppers are relatively easy to grow in warmer climates. If you wish to grow hot peppers, you definitely need high temperatures. Still, they can be added to sauces and salsas both fresh and canned. You can dry hot peppers, too, to use throughout the winter months as a way to warm up.

5. Strawberries: Those who love these fresh berries will enjoy growing them. You can also grow them in pots in a sunny location. They continuously produce crops of berries. You may even wish to consider raspberries and blueberries if your climate allows for them.

6. Squash: Summer squash and butternut squash are two favorites. They provide for a hearty meal and they last a long time after harvesting them when stored in a cool, dry location. Add them to soups, stews or serve as their own dish.

7. Beans: Beans are very easy to grow. After sowing them, it only takes a few weeks before you'll have a strong growth and will be nearly picking them. They will continue to produce so long as you are gentle with the removal of the beans. Choose from many varieties.

8. Corn: For those with a large area for growing vegetables, consider corn. Most people love its taste and it can be a good producer. The only drawback is the long growth time and the amount of space it can take up.

9. Watermelon: Summer is never complete without watermelon. You can grow it in your garden without a lot of work. It does spread widely so be sure that you have enough room to allow for its long reaching arms!

10. Salad Greens: Greens of all types can do very well in a garden. You can grow salad greens, collard greens or any others that you prefer. You can also consider broccoli and cauliflower, green cabbage and red cabbage.

These top ten items are just the start. There are so many wonderful vegetables and fruits to enjoy fresh from the garden.

Most Common Mistakes When Starting a Garden

2009-07-09T20:02:00.001-07:00

Organic gardening is a method of gardening that should be enjoyable. It is a way to garden in harmony with nature and enjoying the natural benefits it can provide. Nature has many benefits to provide when you don't work against it.

The biggest mistake and a very common one to most home gardeners is starting a garden that is to large. Starting one that is to big to handle can turn from a very enjoyable experience to a second job, causing most to get disgusted and loose all interest in an experience that not only is enjoyable but rewarding too.

There are many ways you can start out so that your organic garden will be a place you look forward to come home to and care for after a day at work. It can be as simple as planting a few plants in containers, window boxes, raised beds or just a small area in the yard about 4 foot by 8 foot.

When planting a large garden, keep in mind that it is going to be more work and for the inexperienced gardener it can get discouraging if things don't go right. Growing a home garden should be a pleasant and rewarding pastime, not a second job.

Plant crops that you and your family enjoy. Planting vegetables that nobody will eat isn't going to be as rewarding as planting ones that everyone will be excited about when they mature and ready to consume. Start out with crops that are easy to grow and expanding your garden to other crops slowly, as you feel you have the time to care for them. Crops like beans, cucumbers, leaf lettuce, summer squash, tomatoes and peppers are excellent choices for the first time gardener.

A environment friendly and healthy way of gardening. Organic Gardening is away of gardening in harmony with nature. Growing a healthy and productive crop in a way that is healthier for both you and the environment.

How to Grow Japanese Maples

2009-07-09T19:58:00.000-07:00

This article will concentrate on growing hybrid Japanese maples. Growing the seedling variety has been covered in a previous article.

In order to grow a hybrid plant, you will require two things. Rootstock, on which the hybrid will actually grow, and a source for the stem of the plant.

When you look at any hybrid Japanese maple, you will see a graft at the base of the plant. This is evidence that the plant is, in fact, a hybrid and not just a lucky seedling.

The rootstock used is generally the hardy basic acer palmatum. These plants are very easy to grow, and should you be entertaining the idea of trying your own hybrids, you would be well advised to grow several dozen from seed to use as your rootstock.

There are several different ways to make the actual graft, and the method described here is the most common one, the side graft.

The rootstock, or understock of choice will be a two year old seedling. The scion, or short piece of shoot from the parent hybrid, may be one or two year old wood. One important thing is that the diameter of the understock and scion ideally should be as close to identical as possible. The reason is that as much of the cambium layer as possible needs to match up.

It is this cambium layer, or the very thin layer between the bark and actual wood of the plant, which will carry the nutrients and moisture. The more of the cambium layer that matches between the understock and the scion, the better and stronger the plant will grow.

To prepare the understock for grafting, cut the shoots back to about 6" in the winter when the plants are dormant. The actual grafting is usually done in January, when growth becomes stimulated. However, this may vary widely in your area, and in fact there is even a method for summertime grafting.

The scion should be collected immediately before grafting. You can use terminal shoots between 1" to 8" long. Aim for 3 pairs of buds on the scion.

Great care must be taken when doing the graft. Using a new razor blade on the understock, make a slicing cut downwards at a steep angle until you are roughly 1/3 of the way through the wood. This is done very low down on the stock. Remove the upper 2/3 of the "flap" on the outside of the cut.

With scion in hand, or on the bench, make a slicing cut at the bottom, matching the angle of the understock cut as closely as possible. Then remove a very small amount from the end of the scion, leaving a somewhat stubby point. Insert this point into the understock, and try to match up as much of the two cambium layers as possible.

Using grafting tape, or budding rubber, or even cotton thread, tie the union together very carefully. It is important to note that the cambium layer not be harmed, as this will result in a lost plant. The union should immediately be covered with beeswax or paraffin, or a grafting wax emulsion made for the purpose. The idea is to prevent exposure to the air and to promote rapid healing of the union.

As winter turns into spring, you should start to see your young tree sprouting new growth, a sure sign of your success!

Credit Score Needed to Buy a House - FICO Score Requirements to Get Approved on a Home Loan

2009-07-09T19:57:00.000-07:00

To begin with let us state some thing very happy. Those who have a bad credit score, who have filed a bankruptcy or are going through a foreclosure, can certainly buy a home. You need not get depressed that you shall never have your dream house. All that you need to be aware of is that it would cost you more than the usual borrowers.

What is the credit score needed to buy a house?

There is no exact definition of the credit score needed to buy a house. This actually depends on the lender. The specific lender that you consider would have his or her pre-defined eligibility criteria. Another deciding factor is the amount of down payment you are willing to make.

An average credit score in US is around 690. Above this number you are sure to get a cheap loan with out any issues. Below this range, the things might get a bit tough for you but certainly they are not impossible. First of all you should work hard to improve on your fico score.

Can you buy a home without credit check?

That might be a tricky one! Usually this is a just not possible with the secured loans. And unsecured loans are indeed not advisable enough. Being honest & candor perhaps in the best policy is such deals. In stead of praying that no one should check your credit score, you can try to getting a loan at a bit higher rate of interest by being honest and disclosing all about your bad FICO score.

Yet, it you wish to check out a means to buy a home without credit check probably declaring a bankruptcy under Chapter 7 would help you. Remember, filing a bankruptcy is not an easy gamble. You must check with your lawyer and know all the pros & cons of this step. One thing is sure - Chapter 7 Bankruptcy provides you a platform to start a fresh in life. At the same time it does reflect on your credit report for years together. So you must be very sure before taking this step.

Real Estate Targets First Time Buyers

2009-07-06T01:27:00.001-07:00

First time property buyers are returning to the game in the Toronto real estate housing market say experts. This is especially important to the overall housing market because the virgins were the first to go underground when the economy turned sour worldwide last year. The signs of a first timer returns mean the market has begun to recover.

First timers deserted the market in droves at the height of the global recession, back in the fall of 2008. They are returning, it seems thanks to lower interest rates as well as lower prices on homes and condominiums. The Canadian government is also handing out tax credits to first time home buyers or those willing to buy a handyman special and fix it up. Those tax credits kicked in at that beginning of 2009.

Recovery Signs
First time buyers are the foundation of an active housing market. They motivate the market by buying homes that free the owners to pursue their second, or third, or fourth house, moving up in size and hopefully in price. No first time buyers and what results is a stagnant market with dying homes. Not good for the economy. The Canadian Real Estate Association says housing sales have increased for the last three consecutive months, which is a very good sign that things are finally turning around. Toronto and Vancouver are seeing the biggest signs of recovery.

Buyers Market for Condos
Condo developers in Toronto are so eager to attract first time buyers that they are offering expensive trips or thousands of dollars off the purchase price in order to get potential home buyers to sign on the dotted line. Some experts have categorized it as "let's make a deal," for the condo, with the buyer having the upper hand. Just a few short years ago it was a sellers' market where buyers were forced to take it or leave it. But now the tables are turned.

Knowing the Limits

However, despite the willingness of developers to please the buyer, the buy should know the limitations imposed on the developer by his/her costs and agreements with lenders. That means the developer can only go so far-maybe offer a trip to Paris, but not to the moon, so to speak. Developers are more able to wheel and deal when the project is complete or under construction. Until they get the financing in place, the lenders call the shots

Incentive Game
Toronto real estate developers tend to offer incentives that fall into three categories and it is important for the first time buyer to determine which category is being offered in order to get the biggest bang for the buck, so to speak. The first category of incentive is to drive sales over a very brief period of time, like a day or weekend. The second category is to spur sales over a longer period of time and the third is intended to move condos already completed or shortly due to be completed.

Avoid These Most Common Greenhouse Mistakes

2009-07-06T01:27:00.000-07:00

If you have gardened for any amount of time you have either wanted a greenhouse or wondered if getting a greenhouse would be a good thing for you to do. Most of us get on the internet and start doing research about all the things we need to consider; the climate we live in; ventilation; what we will grow and when; racks and shelves and so on and so forth.
If we decide that we will indeed get a greenhouse and get everything we can dream of out of it! We measure and check where the sun will be and then start looking for the best bang for our buck. It is here that most of us make a mistake that will come back to haunt us in a very short time; we buy a green house that ends up being too small.
You might think it's the money that makes the difference but that's not it at all. We underestimate what can be done in the grow house and end up with more plans and plants than room! We are then forced to go back and purchase a second greenhouse to either supplement the first one or replace it. The problem is that if you don't have experience to know what you really want to do so you go into the greenhouse experience a little bit blind.
With that said, there are a few things to consider about how you garden and what your intent is with your new greenhouse that can help you determine the best size. If you are the experimenter type just save yourself the trouble and buy one to two sizes larger than you think you need because you will be using your greenhouse for a lot of things on a year round basis.
If you are the type that loves to be outside in the garden even if it's a bit chilly or windy and your spouse thinks you are crazy, buy one size larger than you think you need. If you just garden to grow some vegetables and are hoping to do the same; just longer or year round, make sure you get a greenhouse with a high insulation ratio and you will need to determine what kinds of vegetables and herbs you plan to grow and make sure you have enough expansion room to grow everything you want to in the dead of winter. Again, buy at least one size more than you think you need.
Unless you just want to putter around and play with growing in a greenhouse buy one size more than you think you need. In other words, buy at least one size more than you think you need. It will, in the long run, save you time, money and frustration.

Prune Tomato Plants in the Right Way

2009-07-06T01:22:00.000-07:00

Pruning tomato plants is yet another important task that must be tended to when growing tomatoes in your garden. Pruning tomato plants will also help the plant to thrive and it will minimize the possibility of disease. Left to fend for itself the tomato plant would end up taking up about 4 square feet of space, it will probably have about 10 stems, and it will ultimately be hounded with disease. Using a device such as a tomato stake or even a tomato cage will help you to take proper care of your plants.

Next you will want to tie them in the case you are using stakes with a soft string such as soft yarn or something like that. Then you will want to prune them by removing all of the leaves below the first flower cluster on the plants. You also want to make sure that each leave section has plenty of room to grow, and capture the sunshine. In order to produce the sugars that are necessary for the plant to live it needs the light.

When you see a plant that has yellowing leaves, the leaves have turned yellow because that section is using more sugar than it is producing. This is due to lack of sunshine in the case of outdoor plants, and still not enough light on those growing indoors. If you are taking proper care of your outdoor plants, you will get larger fruit from it, and it will steadily produce until the first frost occurs. That can turn into a LOT of tomatoes!

Some little things you need to consider too are:
1. The plants and leaves can't touch the ground.
2. Avoid having too many stems branch out from the plant. Keeping them tied will take care of this.
3. When the leaves are wet you can not tie the plant off.
4. Give your plants plenty of room to prosper! It's far better to have 50 plants that are thriving than to try to have a hundred plants that are cramped for space!
5. Keep the plants pruned. It is far better for the plant to remove some of the leaves so that others can prosper.

It is widely accepted that the best tomatoes are the ones grown in our home gardens! Of that there is little doubt. That is why home gardeners so often decide to grow their own tomato plants. You need to know that the effort put into growing tomatoes is relatively minimal in compared to other fruits and vegetables. There's absolutely nothing better than walking out to the garden to gather the makings of the freshest salad in the world!

3 Tips For Keeping Your Gardening Tools Clean and Ready

2009-07-03T05:15:00.000-07:00

Admit it. You've tilled the soil, added in compost, and turned the soil some more. Next thing you know, it's 3pm and you need to go shower before you go make dinner. And you either leave out your tools intending to clean them tomorrow, or you put them away intending to clean them before the next use.

This unfortunately will dull and wear away your tools. They're like an investment and should be taken care of. And thankfully, it really will take less then a few minutes to clean them off before putting them away.

I personally do the cleanup outside. When I bring out the tools, I bring out all of my cleaning items and put them by a hose. That way, when I'm walking back to the garage, I can clean my tools before I put them away. And if I need to wash off something, the hose is right there.

First, invest in a stiff bristle brush. You shouldn't need a wire brush for this. When you're done, bring the tools into your shed or garage, and keep the brush within easy reach of where you usually work. Quickly brush down the shovel, till, spade, etc. Wash it off if needed. I really don't like compost or manure being left on in any form.

Second, never put your tools away wet. This will bring about rust, and any remaining dirt will dry on fast and stay stuck there until you take a putty knife to it. Keep a towel around just for drying it off. If there's any additional dirt left, it should come off easily.

Finally, take an oily rag and rub down the metal portion of the tool. This keeps the metal protected and makes it easier to use the next time. This doesn't have to be fancy oil. A simple and inexpensive general purpose oil will do the trick.

How often should you sharpen your cutting tools? The rule of thumb is once a year. If the blades are really dull or they've got nicks on them, bring the cutters to a professional. Make it easy on yourself.

I'm a convert from the resentful gardener to the passionate one. I discovered self-watering containers last year, and have fallen in love with gardening all over again. In Silicon Valley, I have a great growing season and hope to instill passion for plants into others.

The Easiest Way to Catch a Cheater Off Guard ---Phone Number Reverse

2009-07-03T05:11:00.000-07:00

Many people don't know what is available when it comes to doing a phone number reverse search. We just naturally assume that when we need information on the internet that it must be free. It is human nature wanting to get things quick and free. It is true that many websites offer this information for free on the internet. But, this is one of those situations where you get what you pay for. The free reverse phone number searches will most likely not have the information you are looking for.

Phone number reverse free services cannot give information regarding cellular or unlisted phone numbers. Since the majority of calls we receive today come from a cell or private number, this makes the free services of no use.

If you want to have access to nearly 99% of all phone numbers that exist you will need to pay a small fee to use the specialized websites that pay the cellular carriers to access their records. They keep huge databases that are constantly updated for the most up-to-date information.

The companies that offer this service are the reverse telephone number look up directories. Because of these databases countless cheaters have been caught completely off guard and busted for their infidelity. They were caught because their suspicious partner took quick action and used the reverse search to check up on suspect numbers on their partner's cell phone.

Cheaters are often so caught up in their affair and covering their tracks that they don't even think about how they can't cover their tracks with their cell phone. There is a false sense of security using a cell phone. Many people believe there is no way to track who is behind the number. But, for the wise partner who knows to take advantage of phone number reverse services the truth is easily exposed.

To use these services you must just enter the phone number you wish to search. A report will quickly be generated that will tell you if the information you are searching is available in the database. Chances are, it will be available. At this point you have a choice between paying a nominal fee to search just that one number, or for slightly more, have unlimited access to the database for the next 12 months. It is really a small price to pay for the peace of mind it will provide you. Without this service available to you from your own computer you will be allowing a cheating spouse to continue on with their cheating ways.

9 Smart Tips to Conserve Water in Your Garden

2009-07-03T04:55:00.001-07:00

You can reduce garden water use in many ways - from simply watering less often to investing in a new irrigation system or planting scheme.

Step 1--Make sure your sprinkler system is in good condition. Repair any broken or missing spray heads or emitters.

Step 2--Consider installing a drip or low-volume irrigation system.

Step 3--Reduce your lawn maintenance - mow higher and less often, don't rake up the clippings, and avoid overwatering. As a rule, lawns need only about 1 inch of water a week; test how much you're watering by collecting your sprinkler water in a can.

Step 4--Allow unused portions of your lawn to turn brown. Use your water for more desirable landscaping.

Step 5--Replace lawns and plants that have heavy water demands with drought-tolerant varieties.

Step 6--Check plants for moisture before watering. Look for clues such as curling leaves, a grayish color and permanent wilting, which indicate underwatering. (If the leaves turn yellow and drop, you could be overwatering.)

Step 7--Keep your beds and lawns weeded. Weeds steal moisture from desirable plants.

Step 8--Mix soil polymers, which retain moisture, into your soil. Add them when planting beds or containers, or drill the soil around existing plants and drop the polymers into the holes.

Step 9--Mulch to retain moisture in the soil.

Find the right housemate

2009-06-23T19:48:00.000-07:00

You may need to add to your household or it could be you who is in search of a room. So how do you make sure you find the right housemate who won't drive you insane?

----Adding to your household
You may be in a hurry to find a new housemate, but that's no reason to say 'Yes' to the first person that comes in the door. Many of us feel awkward about asking personal questions or making requests (i.e. no smoking indoors), but if you don't set the rules at the beginning, your new housemate could run riot in what was once your home of tranquillity. On the other hand, if you're a bunch of party animals who survive on baked beans and energy drinks and your new housemate likes to be tucked up in bed by 9.30pm with a mug of hot chocolate, this could be a recipe for disaster.

----The interview stage
Bowled over by your eager housemate-to-be? It may be worth digging that little bit deeper so you can really suss them out. Think about what it is you want from your new housemate. Is it someone to add to your circle of friends who has similar interests, or someone who is simply there to help pay the rent and is happy to live separate lives?

It's not always a good idea to sit them down in front of a large panel for an hour of hard questioning. Instead, try casually asking your questions as you show them around your home or chill out with a cuppa.

Some example questions
How do you want to buy food or household items - through a kitty, or separately?
Do you like to cook for yourself, or share the cooking?
Will you be bringing your partner over to stay, and if so how often?
What music do you like?
Do you have any strange habits? (e.g. walking around naked or hoovering at two in the morning)
Do you plan to have any house parties?
What are you studying?
Do you work strange hours, or work from home?
Are you a heavy drinker and do you take drugs?
Will you be able to keep to a cleaning rota, or do you prefer to muck in when needs be?

----When you're the potential new housemate
It's always a good idea to find out about any rules and regulations before you move in. Does the rent include bills, or will there be any extras like the TV licence?

Make sure you've met all your potential new housemates before you agree to move in. Two of them may be normal, but if you haven't met the guy who's so eco friendly that he doesn't have a bath more than once a month, then you could be in for a shock. You should also watch out for the sexy ones - big crushes and housemates don't always mix well, especially if you're already taken!

If they tell you that you're the 50th person they've seen that week, you may start to worry about why they've been so picky. That's exactly what happened to Suzy, who moved into a house in Manchester after she broke up with her boyfriend. "I was flattered they had finally found someone they liked and everything was fine at first. I was living with a girl and a guy who were mates from university. The girl ended up being a complete control freak who would stress out if I used tap water instead of bottled water in her iron," Suzy recalls.

"The bloke, as nice as he was, worked from home and was in-my-face the minute I got home from work, wanting to speak to someone after a day of solitude, when all I wanted to do was collapse. I only lived there for 10 months. It just goes to show how living with strangers can be a real gamble."

----Making the decision
Even if you're getting on like a house on fire, perhaps you could arrange to meet up again to make a final decision. At the end of the day if they're keen to live with you, they'll understand your apprehension.

Never make any promises at the end of your meeting. Say you have a few more people to see and will let you know by the end of the week. If it's you who's being interviewed, say that you have a few more places to visit. For all you know, the perfect housemates could be just around the corner.

Renting: your rights

2009-06-23T19:43:00.000-07:00

There are plenty of dodgy landlords out there who have no qualms about ripping students off. If you're renting, it pays to know your rights.

The contract
Read the small print carefully, because the act of signing it means that you have understood it and accepted the terms. Do not move into a place without signing a contract first, the document will give you legal protection. Ask for an inventory, and check every item on it as soon as you move in.

The landlord cannot:

--Turn up uninvited and let themself in. Reasonable notice is required;

--Neglect the place you rent'

--Shut down utility supplies like gas, water or electricity;

--Allow other tenants to threaten you;

--Prevent your friends from visiting.

Eviction
The landlord must give you a proper notice period or get a court order if he or she wants you to move out.

Mandatory eviction

You can be asked to leave if:

--The owner of the house wishes to come back and live in the property;

--The owner has gone bankrupt and the house is being repossessed;

--You are more than two months in arrears with your rent;

--You refuse or delay vital maintenance work to the building;

Discretionary eviction

A landlord can ask the court to decide if eviction is necessary if:

--You've broken the terms of your contract, i.e. trashed the place;

--You're always late in paying the rent;

--You lied about yourself to get the place.

Harassment
If the landlord wants you to leave:

--It is illegal for them to use violence or threaten to use violence;

--They cannot offer you money to vacate the premises;

--They are also not allowed to harass you to make you leave e.g. changing the locks, shouting abuse, playing loud music etc.

Your rights as a lodger
When you live in the same accomodation as your landlord, be it private or a B&B, your rights are often greatly reduced. They generally depend upon what you have agreed with your landlord. When living as a lodger you do not need to have a written agreement for the terms of your stay at the property, however it is probably wise to protect you from misunderstandings in the future. This agreement should include:

--How much rent you need to pay and when you should pay it;

--How much notice you will be given if the rent is to be increased;

--How much notive you have to give before moving out;

--What services are provided and which you have to pay for, for example meals and laundry;

--Can you have guests in your room and are their restricitons on how long they can stay?;

--Is your room exclusively yours and can you lock it?;

--Do you have to pay a deposit for the room? Is it returnable on terminating your stay?

Truth of Foreclosure Homes - Disadvantages of Buying Pre-Foreclosure

2009-06-22T21:33:00.000-07:00

Sure you have known the advantages of buying pre-foreclosure, haven't you? Adjustable agreement, up to 40% below market value foreclosure home, adequate time to research on the foreclosure home, lesser down payment, etc. Undeniable, buying pre-foreclosure has many advantages and they are real irresistible. Anyhow, there is always a balance point in everything. It's true that buying pre-foreclosure has a lot of advantages, but there are also disadvantages of buying pre-foreclosure.

Depending on one's needs, only you know which buying foreclosure approach (pre-foreclosure, auction and REO) best suits you.

First and foremost, the very first disadvantage of buying pre-foreclosure is getting contact with the foreclosure homeowners. Why say so? As you have already known, foreclosure homeowners are facing negative events of his life that causing him to fall behind his mortgage payment on that moment. Foreclosure homeowners are distressed. And the outcome of this situation, foreclosure homeowners usually refuse to meet with strangers or whoever he thinks unnecessary. To some foreclosure homeowners, this could may be help them to concentrate more on solving the problems, while to some other foreclosure homeowners, this will only isolate them from the problems. Either way, you will have works to do to get contact with them.

Some professional investors or real estate agencies will post their greetings, post card like stuff to foreclosure homeowner. But to me, it's not good enough. It's recommended to call up foreclosure homeowner in person. Talking to them is the best way to leave a deep impression to them; while calling can show your sincerity of buying his pre-foreclosure home too. Of cause, talking courteously and patiently is equally important. Put yourself in his shoe, do you want someone rude to take over his lovely home or someone gentle instead?

Buying foreclosure has risk in dealing with other liens. This is the second disadvantage of buying pre-foreclosure. Who knows how many lenders the foreclosure homeowner has borrowed money from? There are cases where homeowners get home loan from 2 different lenders to buy a house and get a third lender for home improving loan. These cases involve many legal works. You definitely can't settle it by yourself, unless you are a lawyer and your spouse is a bank manager.
No jokes on the legal works. It's really frustrating dealing with them. Thus, before buying a pre-foreclosure, make sure you do a throughout research on that pre-foreclosure home including its title deed, loan information, any hidden liens, etc. Get the professional help. And this situation contributes the third disadvantage of buying a pre-foreclosure. There are paper works to do to complete the deal and it's time costly.

However, these 3 disadvantages are actually nothing compared to the return of buying pre-foreclosure. To conclude, great bargains need hard work. You have to do research and truly understand the process of buying pre-foreclosure. It's recommended to buy a foreclosure book or sign up free trial on homes listings to do some real time research. I would say it worth your hard works.

7 Little Known Tips That Will Save You Money on Gas

2009-06-11T00:25:00.000-07:00

With the rising cost of gas prices, and no end in sight, everyone wants to save as much money at the gas pump as they possibly can. You may not be able to control the price of gas but you can change certain habits and follow some basic guidelines to help you save as much money as possible.

1. Multitask your shopping expeditions

If you know of a certain gas station that consistently sells lower priced gas and it’s out of your way, you might want to consider making a weekly journey to this destination.

This way you can take a day to get gas, buy your groceries, and take a walk in the park within a different area of the city where you live. In effect, what you are doing is multitasking and saving money on your fuel costs at the same time.

2. Paying for your gas the smart way

One of the ways that you can save money at the gas pump is by using a gasoline credit card. When you have a gas card you’ll be able to get 5 or 10 percent back on the purchase of your gas.

This can amount to as much as $300 each year. If you have multiple drivers in your family you’ll want to make sure that every car driving person carries a gasoline credit card with them so that you can take advantage of multiple gas sales.

Many gasoline companies are joining up with other retailers to give you numerous savings at the gas pump. You’ll be able to not only save on your gas purchase, but you’ll be able to earn points towards your next purchase with participating retailers.

3. Buy your gas in the morning or evening

Gasoline becomes denser in colder temperatures. Gas pumps are set to measure the volume of the fuel that you pump -- not the density.

This means that if you fill up your gas tank in the cooler morning temperatures or in the colder evening hours, you’ll be getting better gas price economy. (Try to fill up your gas tank later in the evening to avoid the rush of day hours.)

4. Buy gas from a busy station

Try to buy your gas from a gas station that is consistently busy and therefore has its underground tanks filled on a regular basis. Gas stations that are slow will have gas that has been sitting in underground tanks for longer periods of time, leading to gas contamination.

This contamination can mean that the gas you are purchasing is less powerful than fresh gas and will decrease your fuel economy.

5. Avoid fast getaways at the stoplight

Accelerate slowly when the light turns green. The faster that you accelerate the more gas that you are going to consume.

Make sure you start at the stoplight slow and steady so that you conserve as much fuel as possible while you are going from a stopped position into driving mode.

It may be tempting for younger people to accelerate and race away from the stoplight. Don’t fall into this trap and you can save up to 20 percent in fuel costs just by being a safe driver.

6. Accelerate before hills

If you are approaching a hill try to accelerate before you reach the hill. This will help you to use up less gas while you are climbing the hill in your car.

Remember to accelerate in a safe manner or you won’t be able to use this gas saving tip. You in no way want to put your life, or the lives of others, in any danger.

7. Ride a bike!

People know this works, but don’t do it! Try it, you might like it! You can save lots of money on gas, help the environment, and help your body. (Even a motorcycle or moped will save you money on gas.)

Great Simple Phrases to Ignite Her Passion

2009-06-10T23:12:00.001-07:00

Relationships are funny things: One partner can be cruising along thinking everything's just fine and dandy, and the other can be curling up inside like a poinsettia after New Year's. One of us is sure we're on the right track, while the other is wondering, "Why don't we talk anymore?" And more often than not, it's the female cohort who's dying for more—more communication, more intimacy, more verbal acknowledgment that you're committed to her happiness.

The reason is simple: When it comes to communication, women are like tropical plants, and men are like cacti. Studies suggest that the average woman speaks 7,000 words a day. The average man mutters just 2,000, and half of those are spoken to clients, colleagues, or the electronic image of John Madden. And it's that discrepancy between our verbal styles and needs that can turn a once-hot relationship into yesterday's oatmeal.

Want proof? Researchers at the University of Washington say they can predict with 90 percent accuracy whether couples will divorce or stay married simply by listening to them talk for a few minutes. After reviewing data from more than 500 couples in discussion, psychologist John Gottman, Ph.D., of the University of Washington's Relationship Research Institute, and applied mathematicians James Murray and Kristin Swanson have come up with a mathematical model that can predict likelihood of divorce. They dub it the "Dow Jones Industrial Average for marital conversation." A 5-to-1 ratio of positive comments to negative ones indicates a healthy marriage, they say. A ratio lower than that suggests trouble ahead.

A simple rule of thumb, then, is to talk more, share more, and be more open with your emotions. But telling a guy to share more is like telling him to eat less meat: Simple in concept, but not so tasty in practice. The solution is to maximize the communication you do have—to know a few simple phrases that will warm her heart and a few other intimate places, as well. If things feel a little chilly, a little distant, or a little lacking in boudoir beatitude, try speaking up. Here's what to say.

1--"I'm so glad we ended up together."

2--"I understand how important this is to you."

3--"Let me tell you how my presentation went."

4--"Let's talk about Jenny's grades tomorrow. Tonight should just be about us."

5--"I've been fantasizing about making you feel good."

6--"Put the 14th on your calendar; I'm taking you away."

7--"I'll draw you a bath."

8--"You deserve a long weekend with your girlfriends. I'll watch the kids."

9--"I adore your freckles."

10--"I've always thought it would be fun if you didn't use your hands."

11--"Let's show the kids our honeymoon photos."

12--"I'll meet you in the bedroom after I fold the laundry."

13--"The weather's terrible. Let me pick up the kids from day care."

First 3 Things to Consider When Landscaping Your Garden

2009-06-10T21:39:00.000-07:00

When done properly and with careful thought and planning, landscaping a garden brings a whole host of benefits ranging from environmental to social. But there is much to consider when embarking on a garden landscaping project. In this article we cover our top three:

1. Space
At the planning stage, make sure you take into consideration what the garden will be used for and factor in a range of practical features. For example, you may want a secluded area for sunbathing; a place for children to play that needs to be robust enough to stand up to heavy traffic; you may want to include a place to entertain; and you may also want to use trees to filter noise. Combining beauty with practicality is a fundamental part of the garden landscaping process.

2. Style
Maintaining a style theme throughout your garden is vital if you want the finished product to appear streamlined, attractive and a pleasure to spend time in. It is also a good idea to match the style of the garden to the style of your home. Modern houses lend themselves to contemporary garden designs whilst period homes work best with traditional style gardens. Put some thought into blending the inside with the outside and the results will be admired by all who visit.

3. Planting
Remember that plants grow! Your shrub or sapling may be tiny now, but what size will it be when mature? You must take into consideration what size the plant will grow to otherwise you could end up planting it too close to a wall, a fence or other plants. If other plants end up in its shadow, they may not survive and if the roots are too close to your home, it could have serious repercussions which may even lead to subsidence. Make sure you find out about the plants you are buying and allow enough space for them to grow to their mature size.

These are just a few of the many things you need to take into consideration when planning your garden landscaping project. Contact your local landscape gardener for further, in-depth advice.

Design your own balloon window valances

2009-06-09T19:35:00.001-07:00

Balloon valances add flair to any home. Here you will find how to make balloon valances in a few easy steps. By adding them in your den or family room, it gives the room a touch of elegance and looks like you spent a lot of money. You can also place balloon valances in the nursery or bathroom. These valances look great wherever you need a topper for your window. They also compliment any shade or plantation shutters that you have on the bottom portion of your window. This also saves you money by not having to cover the entire window.

Measure the window where you will be hanging the balloon valance. Purchase material 45 inches wide, to allow for three times the width of your window. If you need 3 yards, purchase 9 yards and so on. If you do not use the required material width, your valances will not look uniform. Purchase material like chintz, upholstery material, printed lace, and cotton. You will also need a sewing machine, scissors or pinking shears if the material is light, and matching colored thread. Do not use plain sheer material without prints. This material you can see through and the tissue paper will show.

You will need a table or counter to lay the material on. Place the material right side together. Sew the unfinished edges with a 1/2 inch hem and sew the open end closed. Now double the material in half and sew a 4 inch top ruffle on the top.

When you look at the valance, it will be open in the middle. Now sew a 1/2 inch from the top of the valance and measure 2 inches down and sew another seam 1/2 inch there. This will allow for the rod pocket that you will hang the valance on. The 2 inches in between will be opened. This is where you insert the rod.

Purchase either a wide curtain rod designed especially for balloon valances or a regular width curtain rod. Measure where the brackets will go. Hang the brackets on the window frame using the screws or nails that came with the brackets. You can put them directly into the drywall, but be sure they are attached to a wall stud. If not, the rod will fall. You can also use mollies if preferred. Take the curtain rod and place it through the newly made ruffle at the top of the valance.

To make the valance balloon look puffy looking, insert tissue paper in the middle of the valance, pinning the ends shut. Use white tissue paper only, the tissue paper you would use for wrapping presents.

Gather the curtain evenly on the window. You should have a 4 inch hem top now. The curtain should be ruffled and full when looking at the window.

To clean the balloon valances, machine wash them in cold water. You can also use a store bought dry cleaning kit that you place in your dryer. This kit comes with a bag that you place the valances in. Chintz has a shiny look to it. By having them dry cleaned, they will stay new looking longer. Or if you prefer, you can dry clean them professionally, although this will cost money. The choice is yours. Now sit back and enjoy your newly decorated home!

Feng shui decorating basics

2009-06-09T19:21:00.000-07:00

Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese art of living, has recently come into vogue for offices and homes all over the modern world. For those trying to put more Feng Shui into their personal space, here is a quick guide to the many decorations and purchase options following the trends of this Chinese art.

For beginners, Feng Shui is a way to cultivate the energy flow and tranquility of a room or house's natural layout. This is done by arranging the furniture and layout of a room, as well as by the careful selection and positioning of symbolic decorations and artworks within the room. The entire purpose is to make the living space more enjoyable and comfortable for its inhabitants and to increase the positive energy of the room.

Placement and selection of decorative objects in the room is a key aspect of Feng Shui, and all objects have a symbolic meaning or character which can influence the energy and inhabitants of the room. When choosing a decorative item, you must be aware of the meaning behind the object and its possible impact on your life. If you are an energetic or stressed-out type of person, a symbol of energy or impact might not be the best choice. Objects in Feng Shui should remind you of your own goals, and by their existence and your growing awareness of them, should lead you to fulfill your own goals in your life.

Here is a short guide to some of the basic meanings and purposes of Feng Shui decorations and symbols. Decide which fits in best with your own lifestyle and what you might want to change in your life. Symbols for energy, love, happiness, wealth, and others abound in ancient Chinese decorations, and you should get to know and become comfortable with those meanings before making a decorating choice. Each type of decoration is also associated with a particular element as well.

Shrine: A small family shrine is one of the centerpieces of Feng Shui in the household. The family shrine should be a composition of things that are important for you, including photos of loved ones, symbols of your life, or other reminders of your dreams and aspirations. Usually set in a small alcove or quiet corner of the room, the shrine should not be neglected, but should be periodically rearranged and kept in order. You can use the shrine to burn incense, or to leave small offerings of loose change or rice as well, in a symbolic gesture to the household gods. Usually made from carved stone, these shrines have a connection to the earth element.

Small Fountains: The sound of the falling water and the constant movement is designed to add tranquility to your living space. For stressed out or busy people, this can be an opportunity to reflect on the water and let your stress flow out of your body. Fountains come in several varieties, from small constant trickles of water down a rock face to the periodic rhythmic tilting of bamboo cups into a larger pool of water. Clearly, because of the use of water, these fountains are symbolic of the element of water.

Candles: Feng Shui candles come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and meanings. Each color candle is representative of a different goal, including wealth, love, and success. Candles can be slightly scented, and their warm glow is seen to spread energy and life around the room. Because of the small flame, candles are associated with the element of fire.

Wind Chimes: Providing simple music with each breeze, wind chimes should be placed near an open door or window to lighten up the room and give it a pleasant environment. Wind chimes are symbolic of serenity and tranquility and are also thought to bring luck to whoever listens to them. Wind chimes can also incorporate other symbols, of animals or dragons, opening up a whole variety of meanings and purposes.

Cheap Cars Under 1000 Dollars - All-Star Profile of Ford Festiva

2009-06-09T06:28:00.000-07:00

The Ford Festiva was one of the smallest vehicles to ever be made by the blue oval and unleashed on the American public. With a 1.3L engine that created a tire shredding 63 horse power this car could only be considered festive if used as a decoration.

So why is this car an all-star? Simple, they are always available under $1000 bucks and depending on your intended purpose they could actually be a fun car to own. Maybe its because the wheels are the same size as a shopping cart's or it could be the fact that Ford actually offered different trim levels, but there is just something about these cars that gives them super status as a daily beater.

If your looking for a really fun sleeper project a Festiva could actually be a great choice with popular engine swaps like the turbo fours out of the Mazda 323 GT and GTX that can actually propel this shoe box to fun and probably unsafe speeds. A somewhat un-known version of the Festiva is the SHO-gun which was available with a mid-mounted yamaha V6.(even Jay Leno has one).

So the real question is why would I buy a Festiva? Well of course these cars are great little gas savers, but you could also use it for any of the following such as a fun sleeper project, winter car, cheaper alternative to a four wheeler, small stackable storage bins, stunt vehicle, reverse status symbol, cheap rally car, 24 hrs of lemons loser, and much more!

Overall I think the Festiva is just another car that is awesomely bad and of course you can probably find and buy one now for under $1000 bucks so if you need a dirt cheap ride or are just looking for a new toy then go out and pick up a Festiva today!

Does Living In The Burbs Make You Sick?

2009-06-09T00:22:00.000-07:00

What could possibly be healthier about living in New York City than living in the beautiful suburbs of Atlanta?

According to scientists, if you live in any suburban area, all you have to do is open your garage door to find the culprit. That’s right – your car is suburban public health enemy number one.

According to recent research published in Public Health, living in a big city like New York, Boston or San Francisco is better for your health than living in a spread out, car dependent suburb. Why? Exercise!

After studying 8,600 people in 38 metropolitan areas across America, the researchers concluded that living in the suburbs leads to more chronic health problems – including high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes and migraines. Suburbanites were also more prematurely aged than city dwellers.

When my husband and I moved from New York City to a small town, the two main things we noticed were that there were more overweight people and that we had to work much harder at getting exercise. In the city we walked everywhere. If we decided to drive, we had to walk three blocks to and from our parking garage. Plus, we went up and down stairs to get to the subway and up and down stairs to and from our apartment. And, we did this every day.

So, what happened when we left? We started gaining weight. If we hadn’t nipped that in the bud by consciously programming exercise into our busy daily schedule, according to research, it would have probably led to a host of other health problems.

At least thirty minutes a day of exercise, such as walking, is essential to getting and staying healthy. It can help you manage your weight, lower blood pressure and cholesterol and prevent heart disease, diabetes and certain kinds of cancers such as breast cancer. Exercise can also lift your spirit, fight off depression and help you to look and feel 10 to 20 years younger.

So, as 90 year old fitness guru Jack LaLanne says, it’s time to “Get off your seat and back on your feet.”

Car Free Insurance Online Quote--Some Important Facts Here

2009-06-08T22:46:00.000-07:00

If you own a vehicle, you are well aware that automobile insurance is a necessity today for protecting yourself, your family and your vehicle. It's also a well-known fact that the cost of car insurance can be very expensive. Has your premium increase during these hard economic times taken a toll on your family budget? Before the time comes for you to make your next premium payment, why not take a few minutes and check on an online car insurance quote comparison that can save you hundreds of dollars per year?

These comparisons provide a quick and simple method that enables you to do a search on the Internet and compare some of America's top car insurance companies and their premium amounts.

What to Look for when Comparing Auto Insurance Quotes

Before you go online to make quote comparisons, answer the questions below:
1. Is the auto insurance online quote free?
2. Where do I get a comparison?
3. Which well-known automobile insurance companies give quotes online?
4. How do I obtain a quote?
5. Do I have to give out my personal information in order to get a quote?

Benefits of Online Auto Insurance Quote Comparisons

As a consumer, you will have access to multiple car insurance quotes immediately from top companies in 50 states. This will allow you to quickly pick out the auto insurance companies offering the cheapest rates if you know the exact coverage you need and want. You will also be able to obtain quote comparisons without going through the hassle of giving out your social security number or other personal information.

If anyone in your family has a bad driving record or if you have a teenage driver, there are comparisons available for those who are considered high-risk drivers. If you find the quote that's right for your needs, you can purchase your policy online and even make monthly payments, if this option is available.

Just think of the time you'll save by never having to talk to a car insurance agent on the phone or waiting for information concerning your claim to arrive in the mail.

Factors to Consider When Comparing Auto Insurance Quotes

There are several factors to consider if you are planning to switch over your old policy or buy a policy from one of the online auto insurance companies from which you received a quote.

The company should have these qualities:

1. A solid reputation
2. Financial stability
3. Dependable record for handling claims
4. Licensing
5. Free rate quotes
6. No hidden fees

Be on the lookout for great deals with car insurance companies that have the qualities above. Not all companies can offer the best rate for your needs, so it's wise to compare quotes as well as the types of coverage being offered before signing on with a company. With online comparisons, you can compare from the comfort of your home without making calls to multiple companies. Save time and money today with this unique way of buying car insurance!

Phoenix DUI Attorney

2009-06-08T22:43:00.000-07:00

If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence in Phoenix, you may be wondering why it is so important to have a DUI attorney Phoenix to represent you. There are a number of reasons why it is important to have an attorney who specializes in DUI cases guiding you from the time of your arrest until your criminal trial has ended. Your attorney can gather information about your case, speak with the prosecutor to try to make arrangements for a plea deal, ask expert witnesses to testify during your trial, and speak on your behalf at administrative proceedings and prior to sentencing. Having a DUI attorney on your side can make the difference between winning your case and being convicted of DUI and having to face all of the penalties associated with such a conviction.

DUI Attorney Phoenix Explains Laws

You can be prosecuted for driving under the influence in one of two ways in the state of Arizona. If you have consumed alcohol and your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle has become impaired, you can be charged with driving under the influence. This type of case is based on your actual level of impairment. You can also be charged with driving under the influence based on chemical testing results. If your blood alcohol concentration level is above 0.08% (the legal limit in Arizona), you can be charged with driving under the influence even if you did not show any physical signs of impairment while driving. Extreme DUI prosecution can occur when a driver’s blood alcohol content level exceeds .15% since this is considered an extremely high blood alcohol level. If you are a minor and operate a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol, this can affect how you are charged and the penalties you will face. If you have been charged with driving under the influence based on impairment or based on the results of a chemical test, hiring a DUI attorney Phoenix should be your first step to defending yourself.

DUI Attorney Phoenix Explains Classification of DUI Cases

For a first offense without any special circumstances, you will be charged with a misdemeanor. If you have received two other convictions for DUI in a five year time period, any subsequent driving under the influence cases can be charged as felonies. Many circumstances can change how a DUI case is charged. If you commit a DUI offense while your license is suspended or revoked, this can change the charge from a misdemeanor DUI to a felony DUI. Your case can also be charged as a felony if you were driving with a child under 15 years of age while committing your DUI offense. When the prosecutor takes a case to trial, you will have a jury of six people unless you waive your right to a jury trial. If a trial is waived, a judge will make a decision in the case. Instead of waiving your right to trial and experiencing negative consequences, consult with a DUI attorney Phoenix and find out what your best course of action is for proceeding.

DUI Attorney Phoenix Explains Criminal Penalties

The penalties imposed for DUI convictions in Arizona depend on a number of factors including blood alcohol level and other aggravating circumstances. A first offense with a BAC of 0.08% to 0.15% can lead to 10 days in jail, 90-day license suspension, $250.00 fine, $500 assessment cost, counseling, and up to 5 years of probation. If your first offense involves a BAC of 0.15% or greater, you can face 30 days in jail, $2,000 in fines, 90-day license suspension, counseling, up to 5 years of probation, and installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. If you commit a subsequent offense within a
5-year period, the penalties increase. For a second offense, you can face 90 days in jail, $2,000 in fines, one-year license revocation, counseling, installation of ignition interlock device in your vehicle, and up to 5 years of probation. Second offenses that are considered extreme can carry penalties of 120 days in jail, $2,000 in fines, one-year license revocation, counseling, probation of up to 5 years, and the installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. If you commit a third offense, the penalties are even harsher. They can include a mandatory four months of prison time, up to $150,000 in fines, 3-year license revocation, counseling, up to 5 years of probation, and forfeiture of your vehicle. Having a DUI attorney Phoenix on your side is the only way to have a chance of avoiding these penalties and winning your DUI case.

Secured Loans---How to Write a Effective Request Letter For a Bank Loan

2009-06-08T22:42:00.001-07:00

There are several banks & mortgage companies in the US that are willing to give loans. But now as almost all US people are running through bad credit scores getting a loan is indeed not easy. The mortgage companies and banks have become too cautious particularly about the sub prime loans. And now with the Federal Government policies coming in to help the home owners and other with various grants, loans and loan modifications, the private firms seem to have become even more reluctant. How ever, the first step to get a bank loan is to approach the bank with a loan request letter.

Tips To Write Home Loan Request Letter

Here are some tips that would help you draft an effective Home Loan Request Letter:

· First and foremost the letter must be readable. In case your hand writing is not good enough, get it typed.

· While sending the letter, mail it only through a registered mail service.

· Also make sure that you get a receipt of receiving of the same.

· Coming to the content of the letter, it must be drafted in a formal manner.

· It must include you name, address, contact number, profession / occupation, etc.

· You are eligible to apply for any loan only if you are a US citizen, above 18 years of age and your need of the money is valid & legal.

· The letter must also comprise of your monthly income, monthly expenses and the need of money.

· Also furnish documented proofs of all details that you mention in the letter.

· Draft the letter as concise and to the point as possible.

· In case you have bad credit scores, do not lie. Mention the same and also give reasons for it. There are several people with bad credit scores owing to the slump in the economy.

· The letter must show your commitment to get the loan and return it back on time.

· In this letter make sure that you mention the amount of monthly payments you can afford to pay in the long run as well.

Auto Insurance - Answers to Important Auto Insurance Questions

2009-06-08T22:38:00.001-07:00

Auto insurance is something everyone needs, but not everyone understands. This is not surprising considering that the average auto insurance policy is several pages long and is written in legalese. Unfortunately most of us are not lawyers so legalese needs to be translated for us to understand it. On the bright side, coverage is not as complicated as the dense wording in the policy would make it seem.

Auto insurance is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the country and this is a good thing for the typical consumer. Most states spell out exactly how much coverage you need and every state, excepting New Hampshire, requires your vehicle to be insured.

The state recommendations are a good guideline for the type of car insurance policy you should consider, but remember the state recommendations are for the minimum amount of protection required. It is usually a good idea to purchase more than the minimum amount.

If you are in a higher tax bracket you should definitely have more than the minimum amount for protection. You should also carry more coverage if you have other assets. Basically you want your auto insurance to shield you from any repercussions that may result from an auto accident that you are involved in.

The good news is that increasing your auto insurance coverage does not usually cost much more money. In some cases you can buy fifty thousand more dollars worth of coverage for just a few dollars per month.

The best way to find an affordable policy that meets your financial needs it to search for a policy online. This will allow you to compare costs and benefits of policies side by side. The other benefit to shopping for vehicle insurance online is that it takes very little time.

Remember that the auto insurance company is working hard to earn your business. Any company worth doing business with will have an automobile insurance agent who can answer any other auto insurance questions you may have.

What Makes A Good Phoenix DUI Lawyers?

2009-06-08T22:35:00.000-07:00

There are thousands of DUI lawyers out there. The question is this—how do you know if you have a good attorney who can give you a fighting chance of winning your case. A good lawyer minimizes on his or her mistakes while capitalizing on the mistakes of others. Let’s look at the mistakes your lawyer must avoid and the mistakes they can benefit from.

Mistakes Your Attorney Should Avoid

You may think that all lawyers are pretty much the same. Think again. The same case tried by two different attorneys may have very different outcomes. An experienced attorney will find holes in the prosecution’s case that an inexperienced attorney may completely overlook. The best advice is to get a lawyer who specializes in drunk driving cases instead of one who is simply capable of handling them. If you do get someone who isn’t an expert, be sure they are getting the assistance of experts who understand the nuances of drunk driving laws.

That being said, here are some sure signs you need a new lawyer:

If your lawyer immediately looks at your case and recommends you plead guilty, this may be the sign of a poor lawyer. An experienced lawyer will go to the scene and make sure the conditions were appropriate for a sobriety test. The test must be performed in a specific fashion and many police officers perform the test incorrectly. Also, the machine could be improperly calibrated or simply out of date (in terms of certification). Your lawyer should be willing to dig deeper than surface evidence.

Also your attorney shouldn’t try and paint the police officer as a liar. People don’t want to hear that someone as trustworthy as a policeman is lying. It’s better to simply prove that the officer made an honest mistake.

Your lawyer should also be willing to fully explain the consequences of entering a guilty plea. You could lose your car, your license, and be fined or thrown in jail. Furthermore, a conviction goes on your permanent record for all to see, not to mention it increases your insurance rates and limits your ability to travel overseas.

Mistakes Your Attorney Should Capitalize From

The arresting officer in your case may have made numerous mistakes which your attorney can use to tip a case in your favor. If an officer pulls you over on suspicion of DUI, they must have probable cause and be able to tell you what that cause is. If they perform the test where you must walk a straight line, they must do so on a non-slippery, level surface where the line is visible. If they make you stand on one leg, you’re supposed to be less than 65 years old, no more than 50 pounds overweight, and have no medical condition which would prevent you from performing the test. Finally, you can not be detained for an unreasonable amount of time. Any of these mistakes can result in a dismissal or even a successful motion to suppress the evidence hearing.

Austin Texas DWI Lawyer

2009-06-08T22:33:00.001-07:00

AN Austin Texas dwi attorney focuses on the defense of state and federal criminals accused of dui. Their practice extends to the federal courts in Texas and also the state courts of Austin. Various different issues are handled by these attorneys such as Federal Offenses which are white collar offenses, Narcotics and drugs which are dangerous, and various other Federal and State offenses. Listed under these offenses are several issues such as bank fraud, health care fraud, Federal Tax offenses, embezzlement and insurance fraud, and computer related crimes. Other serious offenses are murder, sexual offenses, assault and drug related crimes.

An Austin Texas DWI attorney also looks into cases regarding drunken driving or for driving under the influence of a substance which is intoxicating. The attorney assists their client in preventing their license from being revoked or suspended, and represents their client at the hearing. The attorney could also call for an acquittal of the case or a dismissal.

For those who have a criminal case pending and need an attorney to represent them or would like some clarification on some criminal matter, they could contact any of the Austin Texas dwi attorneys by making an appointment with them.

In the category of Federal Drug cases, possession or distribution of a large amount of drugs that are unlawful and manufacturing or importing them could implicate the person in a criminal offense. Among the white collar crimes fraudulent business deals are the main cause of persons getting accused of criminal offenses. Such cases are handled by Austin Texas attorneys and if the defendant is found to be guilty can be punished by the United States government under their guidelines.

For drunken driving in Texas, a person who is committing this crime for the first time could be punished for a period of six months along with a fine. As the number of times this offense is repeated both the prison sentence and the amount payable as a fine will keep increasing. Their driving license could also be suspended if the defendant refuses to undergo an alcohol test after being found guilty of a DWI felony. For assistance in all such cases the defendant would require the services of an Austin Texas DWi attorney to help get them out of the situation at least with a minimum amount of punishment.

Mesothelioma Patients--Determining Life Expectancy of Mesothelioma Patients

2009-06-08T22:31:00.001-07:00

Once a person has been diagnosed with a cancer of any sort, the doctors will put their heads together to determine how great of a chance of survival the person will have with successful treatment. They will also try to determine how long they think the person will live without treatment or if treatment is unsuccessful.

In determining how long a person who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma has to live, the doctors will examine a number of factors. While it is true that they examine a number of known factors, every patient is a unique case whose life expectancy cannot be predicted with complete accuracy. Due to almost daily advances in the field of cancer treatment, the life expectancy of a person diagnosed with mesothelioma now is greater than that of a person who was diagnosed five years ago.

That being said, mesothelioma is still a serious disease that has not experience much luck in finding effective treatment options. Still, life expectancy is greater today than someone five years ago.

After analyzing all of the mesothelioma cases presented, doctors have determined that the middle portion of the bell curve is 4 and 18 months. This means that 25% of people diagnosed with mesothelioma live less than four months and 25% live for more than eighteen months. 50% of all diagnosed with mesothelioma live between four and eighteen months. While this information is scary, it does not break the cases down into stages of diagnosis or even whether treatment is even attempted.

Factors that influence the life expectancy of any cancer patient, including those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, vary. Some of the factors include:

- The stage of the disese when diagnosed

- The point at which it is diagnosed

- Whether the cancer is localized or has spread

- The patient's age and health condition

- Wha treatments are feasible based on the condition and health of the patient

Out of all of the factors influencing the life expectancy of a person diagnosed with mesothelioma, the stage of mesothelioma at diagnoses is the most important piece of the puzzle. It is the greatest indicator of how long or how short a patient's life expectancy is. Because the early symptoms of mesothelioma actually resemble those of other, much more common illnesses, many patients are misdiagnosed in the early stages. By the time the cancer has been discovered, the cancer has already reached an advanced stage.

Home owner secured loan--Easiest Low Cost Finance

2009-06-08T22:28:00.000-07:00

Your home is not just comfort providing dwelling place, but instead you can make it more useful for building your financial muscles. You can take a low cost loan for completing works like home improvements or paying for wedding or holiday expenses and you can get rid of higher interest rate debts through the home owner secured personal loans.

Home owner secured personal loans are approved against the borrower’s home that has some equity in it. The home as collateral not only makes the loan availing a very easy process for both the borrower and the lender, but also comes with host of advantages for the loan seekers. Lower interest rate is the biggest attraction behind taking putting your home as collateral. Lower interest rate ensures that there is no burden of repaying the loan amount. Also home owner secured personal loans are approved for a larger repayment duration that ranges from 5 to 30 years. So as a consequence of lower interest rate along with larger repayment duration, the borrower is able to chop down the monthly payments considerably towards home owner secured personal loans installments. This makes the loan one of the easiest to pay back.

As far as the loan amount is concerned, the borrower can apply for any amount on the base of equity build up in the home. Greater equity ensures greater home owner secured personal loans. Generally lenders approve home owner secured personal loans in the range of £5000 to £75000.

And do not worry at all about your bad credit. Remember your own home is with the lender as security of the loan. And that is sufficient for the lender to ignore your credit score even if it has slumped too much. However the lender may be selling your home in case of payment default from your end. So, make sure to clear each home owner secured personal loans installments regularly. Your credit score too will move higher as you pay off the installments.

Structured Settlement ---The Tax Advantage of this kind Payment

2009-06-08T22:26:00.000-07:00

Structured settlement payments are a key part of any settlement between both parties and because it involves financial numbers, it automatically factor in some issues over taxation. Let this tiny bit of information illustrate how a long-term agreement can give you tax advantages.

When a person sues another person due to some sort of injury and wins the case, the claimant will receive monetary compensation for the loss through a settlement payment agreement.

Before, settlements come in the form of a lump sum but this proved to be very demanding on the spot for the paying party. The solution in the recent rimes is the payments which are gaining popularity because of its practicality and benefits for both parties.

As a substitute to a single lump sum payment, the claimant will be compensated a monthly settlement payment for an agreed period of time Choosing a series over the lump sum amount means a guaranteed source of long-term income for even a whole lifetime.

One of the highlighted benefits of these regular payments is the excellent tax advantages that come with it. It is basically income exempted from taxes unlike the usual salary or other forms of income like royalty or dividends.

For the record, there is no income tax on structured settlement payments since 1982. The tax savings itself makes this option of maintaining the long-term monthly payments very attractive. Over the entire period of the settlement, such savings is a big amount in itself.

A decade ago, there are problems with issues on the burden of taxation over transactions of transferring or selling of settlements. Insurance companies asserted that their clients or even their companies are at the losing end with the dealings in structured settlement selling.

When an individual sells, the annuity obligors suffer tax consequences. This became the source of several litigation in the past between insurance companies and settlement purchasers and annuitants.

With the enactment of the Structured Settlement Protection Act, it will further benefit these individuals receiving the monthly regular payments. Such regulation also clearly mandated that annuity providers will also not suffer from further tax consequences as a result. The law clearly states that annuity owners and providers do not owe any taxes as a result of these transactions.

Selling your structured settlement payments will make you lose many tax benefits in the process. Selling this guaranteed income has only an advantage of large yet single payment. Before deciding, it is best to consult with your financial advisor regarding selling your structured settlement payments. Your advisor will definitely help in defining with what you will lose in the process, especially the tax savings you will forego.

Tips On Finding The Best Deals On Conference Calling companies

2009-06-08T22:23:00.001-07:00

When one is looking for inexpensive conferencing calling services, there are certain points that you should take into consideration. Price should not be the main consideration when looking for web conference calling services. Although they may seem attractive on the surface, you do have to look deeper into the services to make sure you can get exactly what you need. If cost is a major factor in getting the cheapest conference calling rates, the best thing you can do is a search of all the providers to find which one can offer you the best plan for the least expensive rates.

Big companies, such as WebEx, do offer cheap rates for conference calling services. It is best to use a well-known provider to make sure all that you have reliable service and that you can access it 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is especially important if you want to relate with thing partners and clients from all over the world so that you dont have to anxiety about time zone evils. though slighter and minor known companies may offer you cheap conferencing calls, they are also known to have more evils, such as a require of skin and minor attribute cassette.

When you search for cheap conference call supplyrs, you do have to look at whether or not they supply such skin as sand and application allotment. With the better known companies, such as WebEx, these are pattern skin and the group has been in thing long enough to have worked out all of the bugs. Conference tape and polls are other skin you should look for because they improve the conferencing position and make it an enjoyable one for all participants.

with conference calling services will drastically condense the cost of guidance inside your group. You no longer have to organize and pay for reunion quarters or pay trek outlay for your employees. though you can collect money in the early cost when you select a group with cheap rates for web conferencing, you may meet more evils than you grasp. You need good connections at all time in order for this practice of reunion to thrive and slighter companies regularly do have this difficult.

Keep reading further to learn how this topic can benefit you, as the rest of this article will supply you will the needed information.

The number of people that you need to conference with at one time is also an important factor to consider when you are looking to condense the outlay of conference calling services. The best cheap conferencing via the web should allow you to have a large number of participants. If you need to involve people from distant locations, you need to guarantee that your rates apply to all locations. The rates are also a determining factor. Some companies charge per session, while others charge a monthly or yearly totally fee. You also have to be careful to look for hidden fees, that show up on your statement for conference calling services fees.

It is little things, such as this, that may aid you in your search. So, sit down and decide which avenue would be best for you to take.

Painting the interior of your home perfectly using these 6 smart tips

2009-06-07T00:36:00.000-07:00

There is no other home improvement that can more easily and more dramatically change the appearance of a home than a new paint job. The process is relatively inexpensive and requires less skill than other remodeling and redecorating projects. However, painting does require a great deal of time and patience. Here are six steps to help you successfully paint the interior of your home.

1. Prepare. Paint only one room at a time and begin by adequately preparing the room to be painted. Remove all furniture that can be safely stored in other areas of the house. If you have no other place for the furniture, slide it to the center of the room to be painted. Remove all pictures from the walls and curtains and blinds from the windows. Also remove faceplates from electrical outlets and light switches. Fill in any holes in the walls and trim work with spackle compound. Use a damp rag to wash any dirt from the walls. If you are painting paneling, wipe down all wall and trim surfaces with a damp rag.

2. Tape. Use masking tape or painters tape to tape off any areas that you do not want to paint. Tape the edges around all windows, door locks, knobs, and hinges, ceiling light fixtures, and electrical outlets and light switches.

3. Paint the ceiling. Paint jobs are sometimes limited to the walls and trim work. Applying a new coat of paint to the walls will accentuate the deteriorating condition of the ceiling, however. Most ceilings are white, and turn yellow over time. This discoloration is often not evident until the walls are painted. Painting the ceiling is often difficult because the paint sometimes drips from the ceiling onto the floor and walls. Therefore, you should paint the ceiling first, since the any drips on the walls will be covered later in the process. If you are painting the ceiling with a roller, you will need to apply two or three coats of paint to cover spots where the roller skips. These spots will often not be evident when painting a white ceiling until the paint dries. To avoid leaving spots on the ceiling unpainted, use ceiling paint that goes on one color (typically gray) and dries another color (typically white). This will allow you to more easily detect and repaint spots skipped by the roller.

4. Paint the trim. Trim includes windows, crown molding, doorframes and doors, and baseboards and quarter round. Apply two coats of paint to all trim to assure adequate covering. Use a small detail brush to paint the trim so that you will less excess paint applied to undesired areas. If you are painted quarter round, you may use a putty knife to assure that the paint does not get onto the floor covering. You might also consider taping the edges of the floor underneath the quarter round to prevent applying paint to the floor. Allow the trim to dry for approximately twenty-four hours before beginning to paint the walls.

5. Tape the trim and cut in with the colors around the trim. Once the trim is painted, the best way to insure that you will paint the walls without accidentally painting tiny drops or lines on the trim is to tape off the trim work. Use masking tape to tape the trim work in all of the areas where it meets the walls to be painted. Once all of the trim work has been taped, use a paintbrush to paint a stripe around the taped areas. Also paint the corners of the rooms using a brush.

6. Paint the walls. Once all of trim lines and corners have been painted with a brush, apply one coat of paint the remainder of the wall surface. This area can be painted with a brush, but is more easily painted with a paint roller. Apply one coat of paint to all of the wall surfaces. Apply a second coat around the trim lines and wall surfaces. Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours. Use a utility knife to cut away the tape from all surfaces.

20 free feng shui tips

2009-06-07T00:34:00.000-07:00

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese study of the natural and built environment. It has been practiced for thousands of years, and has provided many people with a great sense of who they are. The environment can be your home, property, or even your work place. Through Feng Shui, you can create a better relationship with your environment that can result in prosperity, health benefits, relaxation, energy, and well-being. Many people want to know what they can do to start making their environment more friendly, and the following tips will help beginners with it art of Feng Shui.

- Bring new energy into your environment by getting rid of clutter. Clutter can cause an environment to feel hostile and can make you tense. By removing clutter, you will be able to relax more.

- Arrange furniture so you can face the doors while sitting. This will help to increase productivity and comfort in your environment when you are not facing a wall.

- Widening and cleaning the front path of your home or work place makes it more inviting to come to these places.

- Try putting a mirror up at the end of hallways. This helps give the illusion that it is not a dead end

- Make paths between and through rooms wide and spacious. This will allow you to enjoy these areas without feeling boxed in.

- Oil doors or cabinets that squeak in order to reduce any irritation that these noises may cause throughout the day.

- Close your toilet lid in order to make it quieter. This can give you a feeling of comfort so you do not think that your money is going down the drain.

- Make your environment as comfortable as possible. This could mean that you sit away from drafts, or adjust the lighting to be friendly to the eyes.

- Add crystal balls or glitter to your ceilings to help move energy around your environment.

- Try adding wind chimes or musical instruments to regulate energy in the space around you.

- Bring colors or art into your environment that promote the kind of energy that you are searching for.

- You can add flagpoles or upward lighting outside your environment to direct energy upward.

- Remove any television sets or electronics from your bedroom to promote comfort and relaxation.

- Try having your bed against a solid wall. This is meant to promote great rest and deeper sleep.

- Try to avoid homes or workplaces with spiral staircases. These can turn positive energy into negative energy.

- Have the front path to your house winding instead of straight, and do not plant trees too close to the front door. This will help increase energy flow throughout your environment.

- Look for balance in the grounds around your environment and within your environment.

- Open your bedroom window at least once a day for 20 minutes to allow fresh energy to enter the room. This will also allow fresh air into the room.

- Do not choose a red sofa set. Red indicates fire, and some areas are not meant to have the color red.

- If you are experiencing a lot of pressure from work, try changing your dining table to a wood table. This can help reduce pressure from work.

Feng Shui is an art that has helped many people with energy, prosperity, success, and relaxation. Start by utilizing these tips. You can further your Feng Shui by seeking out professionals to help, or reading more about ways to increase your production of Feng Shui in your environment.

Ten flowers for the shade

2009-06-07T00:29:00.000-07:00

Hellebore (Lenten rose).

Hellebores are among the earliest perennials to bloom in the new year, flowering by January or February in the South, and several weeks later in the North. The flowers are not showy, but when they are the only flowers in the garden, they seem beautiful. Colors range from white to dusty rose to burgundy. Hellebores make great garden plants because their bold evergreen foliage remains a glossy dark green all year. They do depend on afternoon shade, especially in hot regions.

Pulmonaria (lungwort).

If your soil is too dry or lean for forget-me-nots, this is the flower for you. It blooms in early to mid-spring with blue blossoms that fade to pink as they mature. There are many, many hybridized varieties of pulmonarias, so their foliage can vary. In general, though, leaves are speckled or spotted with white and create interest in the shade garden long after the flowers have faded.

Blue phlox (wild sweet William).

One of the most beautiful of the shade plants, it blooms in mid-spring. During most of the year the plant is a low rosette of foliage; it shoots up stems from one to two feet high when it flowers. There is a white form available, but most common is a pale lilac-blue color. As an added bonus, the flowers last longer than those of most spring-blooming perennials. Light shade is best; the plant may not bloom well in dense shade.

Columbine.

This is one of the showier shade-bloomers, and again, there are many varieties to choose from. Columbine are grown easily from seed; just scatter a packet over a patch of tilled soil in the fall. The seeds need a winter chilling period and will sprout in spring, blooming by their second year. They are prolific self-sowers if you allow the flower heads to go to seed – a lucky break, since the plants themselves seem to be rather short-lived. Columbines come in an endless variety of colors and bi-color combinations; there are tiny ones (eight inches) and tall ones (two to three feet flower stalks). Give them light to moderate shade and keep them well watered.

Foxglove.

This is without a doubt the showiest of the shade bloomers! Foxgloves are biennials, meaning they complete their life cycle over two years. The best way to get them established is to buy small transplants and put them in the ground in early fall. You want to leave enough time for the roots to become established before the real cold weather comes. The plants will live over the winter, putting on a burst of foliar growth in early spring as the soil begins to warm. Then, from the cabbage-like rosette of leaves, flower stalks quickly reach five feet. The spires of white, pink, and rose speckled flowers are truly impressive. After blooming, the plants will set seed and probably die. There is soon another crop of foxglove seedlings that spring up, however, and the cycle continues. Foxgloves do like some sun, so situate them in light shade or in afternoon-only shade. The less light they receive, the more spindly flower stems will be – it’s best to put a tall stake in place right as the flower stalk begins to grow. Then you can keep tying the stalk to the stake in intervals, as the stalk grows. It really is best to stake—otherwise, it’s inevitable that a spring rainstorm will batter and break down the flower stems.

Astilbe.

Unusual, feathery flowers top this late-spring to early-summer bloomer. Planted in masses, it is quite beautiful, and flowers reliably in moderately deep shade. The downside, however, is that astilbes require very moist soil and are relatively heavy feeders. Without adequate moisture, the plants will go dormant and ‘disappear’ in mid-summer. Colors include white, lavender, pink, coral, and red. When grown well in a spot they like, astilbes will spread rapidly by underground rhizomes, covering a lot of ground. They also add some height to the shade garden (flower stems are two feet tall).

Daylily.

Though it is most often grown in sun, the daylily is remarkably shade tolerant. It is one of the most carefree perennials as it’s tough as nails. Because daylilies are easy breed, there are thousands of hybrid varieties available – in every color but blue or a pure white (creamy whites abound). They come in different heights and different flower forms – double, ruffled, etc. Daylilies look best planted in masses. They make good companion plants for spring bulbs, as the emerging daylily foliage camouflages the dying leaves of daffodils and others. Daylilies bloom in early summer.

Wood aster.

Most asters are sun-lovers, but the wood aster (Aster divaricatus) is a notable exception. It is not a showy plant, but it flowers in summer, when most woodland plants are finished blooming. Flower stems grow 24 to 30 inches, but tend to flop over and are hard to stake. The plant is probably best grown on a bank or at the top of a retaining wall – spots where the floppy stems can cascade downward in a froth of white flowers. This is a tough plant that will increase in size every year.

Japanese anemone.

This is a noteworthy plant in that it is one of the few shade-lovers that bloom in fall (late summer in Northern climates). Flowers are pink or white, single-petalled or double, and they are beautifully showy. It isn’t possible to say enough good things about this plant!

Toad lily.

This is a plant that is not offered enough in retail nurseries, though it is always available through mail order. In late summer or early autumn, its stems are lined with small, speckled flowers that are exotically reminiscent of tiny orchids. Plant it in the front of the border or alongside a path where the purplish flowers can be admired close-up for their understated beauty; they don’t make a splash of color.

Pool House Floor Plan

2009-06-06T01:48:00.001-07:00

If you're thinking about installing a pool in your back yard, chances are you will also want to design a pool house to go with it. A cabana or changing pavilion can provide the finishing touch to your landscaping plans as well as form the centerpiece of summer entertainment. There are several factors you'll need to consider before implementing your pool house floor plan.

The first consideration is cost. Construction of a pool house begins at approximately $30,000. The average home owner wants more than just a tented shield from the sun and the primary features of most pool house floor plans, bathrooms and kitchens, don't come cheap. Required plumbing, tile work and fixtures are pricey to install. The initial cost of construction isn't the end of allowances to be made. Installing a pool house could also cost you a pretty penny at tax time as well since the addition of a pool house will raise the appraised value of the property.

The second factor to consider is function. What features do you want in and around your pool house? The most basic pool house floor plan offers shade from the sun and changing rooms. However, most home owners think of a pool house in terms of convenience and entertainment value for the summer months.

Separate bathrooms, showers and laundry facilities are just a few of the amenities that can be added. Other practical additions can be a small or full kitchen, grilling area, outdoor fireplace with extra lounging space, or full wetbar with refrigerator to eliminate wet feet trodding back and forth into the house for cool drinks and snacks. A properly equipped pool house can provide a full day or evening of entertainment without having to step back into the main house.

What about luxuries? Saunas and Jacuzzis are wonderful additions, but will quickly add to the construction cost. Depending on the size, your pool house can also double as space for a home gym, home theatre, or even separate guest quarters. If you are implementing a pool house floor plan on a large scale, don't forget to double check zoning laws concerning construction, size and use of outbuildings. Make sure your ideas and plans conform to local requirements and restrictions. Non-compliance with local regulations can be costly!

Design scheme is next in line. How do you want your pool house to look when it's completed? Do you have a certain overall look you are trying to achieve? Most home owners want a pool house floor plan that is reflective of, but not necessarily exactly like the main home. Generally speaking, the best designed pool house exteriors will pick up on the architectural motifs and design details of the main house without mimicking it exactly. A pool house floor plan should complete the residence and tie the swimming pool, main house and landscaped yard into one cohesive and coherent unit. The decision to add a pool house relies on a number of factors. This list of considerations is by no means complete, but should be viewed as a starting point only.

Secret Step to Get Your Ex Back in Seven Days Or Less

2009-06-05T20:20:00.000-07:00

A relationship is never meant to be difficult, but a certain degree of sacrifice and compromise are always critical to keep the relationship healthy. While we are getting your ex back, you should keep this in mind. Nothing makes mending a broken relationship easy, but if you take to heart what I'm going to share with you in this article it will certainly makes it a whole lot easier for yourself and definitely give your ex good reason to come back.

I know exactly how painful a breakup is but rather than staring yourself blind against the surface question "how can I get back together with my ex?", you should start focusing on rectifying what caused the breakup in the first place. This will immediately start lifting the tension and stress that caused the breakup.

So how do you do this?

The answer is simple. When your ex boyfriend or girlfriend decides to break up with you, then it is most likely because of the following two reasons: Either the relationship became stale because you entered a comfort zone so that there wasn't enough of the real you in it anymore, or the relationship was getting too claustrophobic because you were asking too much and there was too much of you in it. What ever side of the coin you are on, these two causes will lead to certain relationship suicide. It's now time for you to do a quick self-analysis to see if you were guilty of any of these relationship sins.

Unfortunately in most cases the breakup occurred either of something you did or did not do. I don't mean to be harsh, but this is a very simple and effective way to look at it. Whatever your answer is, the end result remains the same. Something drove your ex away. So what to do next, and how can you get your ex back? The first step is to take the useful insights you have now and determine exactly what needs fixing in the relationship.

As you are taking a really hard look at your situation, draw up a list of things the could have led to the breakup, as well as which of those things were most likely your fault and which were not.

Rule out the ones that you cannot control as they will always remain out of your control. Look at the ones that you are responsible for and now think about if and how you can change that specific problem. If you're starting to see a clear pattern of being able to fix a lot of these problems, things are definitely looking good. If you are willing to make some changes, you have just taken one huge step towards getting your ex back.

Just remember, knowing how to get your ex back is not enough. Nothing will happen until you take action right now!

Most Men Love Curvy Women---Why???

2009-06-05T20:16:00.000-07:00

In simple terms, men and women do not understand each other too well. It's a well known fact. Men like cars. Women like make up. Men drink a beer and watch sport, while women can sit and chat about shoes for hours. Generalisation of course. Profound apologies. However there is one area where we men are on solid ground. Men like 'curvy' women. When we say men, we mean ALL men. Women think that men like 'slim' women, and that 'curvy' means fat. Wow. For a man, talking to a woman about her body and it's shape is like digging your own grave with your tongue. There is no way we can say to our partners 'you have a great curvy body', because she will automatically think we mean she is fat! So we will attempt to explain 'curvy' to women, and set their minds at rest. Men are completely turned on by a woman's shape. Her shape. Not her size. Not her weight. It's all about the 'hour-glass' shape.

There are some very, very slim women who have even slimmer waists, and therefore fall into the category where their body has the beginnings of the hour glass shape. There are some women who are naturally curvy, like a Beyonce, Shakira, or J-Lo. And some women need a little dieting, or exercise to find that shape. Men of all ages love to admire an hour glass body. There is something so incredibly sexy about prominent breasts, a slim waist and rounded hips. And usually the side profile is even better, as most curvy women look as if they are trying to arch their backs, and stick their buttocks out. Awesome. That is what men mean by curvy.

As long as breasts, waist, and hips are all in proportion, dress size is irrelevant. The only people who are honestly interested in whether a woman is size 0 or 10, are other women. Men are only interested in the shape of a woman's body. Because the editors of women's magazines are so narrow minded that every single picture in their glossy pages has to represent perfection, normal women who religiously read these pages find faults with themselves. They don't like their hair. Its too dry or too greasy. They don't like their eyes. They can detect fine lines and wrinkles. They don't like their skin. Their hands are too veiny. Their shoulders too broad. Stomach too big. Breasts wrong shape. Legs too short. You get the idea. Who caused all this anxiety? Certainly not men! And ladies, if you take a look through the first few pages of your favourite magazine, the editorial staff is almost exclusively female.

So all the women we know are a little obsessed with being slim, or being the correct weight. None seem too concerned about their shape. Men want one thing. Women are trying to achieve something entirely different. Men want that slim waist. The rounded hips and buttocks. The shapely breasts. They want it all in proportion. But most men are prepared to love their woman, no matter what shape she is. If she were curvy as well as everything else, that really would put the icing on the cake. One great study in the USA was eye opening. The average American woman is 5'4" tall, and size 14. In terms of fashion, modelling, and Hollywood, that is a plus size. Yet, if you ask men "who is the sexiest woman ever?", Marilyn Monroe, who happened to be size 14, comes second to "my wife". Men really think that curvy is beautiful.

The most famous car in the world

2009-06-05T00:36:00.000-07:00

Not sure how that was figured out, but it is hard to argue with that assertion. Author David Worrell likely hit
the nail on the head when he entitled a book about the fictional spy's car The most famous car in the world.

Following Aston Martin's recent press release confirming that Bond will drive a specially built DBS

model in Casino Royale, MI6 revealed that 007 would also return to an old friend in the new film. Two original DB5s will be shipped to the Bahamas, where location shooting with Daniel Craig is expected to begin next month.

Just about every owner of a silver Aston Martin DB5 has either wished or has told a whopper claiming that he or she has one of the cars used in the Goldfinger and Thunderball movies. I came across such a vehicle last November at the Classic Car Show in Birmingham, England.

Two cars were used in the filming, and Sean Connery drove one of them. The other two cars were built for the production company as promotional cars, travelling the world promoting the two movies.

Here's a brief explanation of which car was which and what happened to them . . . as far as I can ascertain.

The Road Car (chassis number DP/2161/1): This car belonged to Aston Martin; it was the DB5 prototype, a modified DB4. It was referred to as the Road Car because it was used in the driving scenes in the movie.

In 1968, Aston Martin stripped it of all of its gadgets and sold it to Gavin Keyzar as a used car displaying 50,000 miles on the odometer. A year later, Keyzar had a company in the south of England reinstall all the gadgets to capitalize on the car's history.

In 1971, he sold it to Richard Loose of Utah. It had a very brief appearance in the movie Cannonball Run.

Loose retired in 1987 and decided to sell the DB5 and a 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III, also used in Goldfinger, at a Sotheby's auction in New York.

Anthony Pugliese, a developer from Florida, purchased the car for $275,000 US.

Jack Grundy of Grundy Insurance told me last week that a very reputable appraiser put a value of $4 million on the car and Grundy insured it for $3.2 million, 80 per cent of the appraisal.

In 1997, the car was stolen from an aircraft hangar in Boca Raton, Fla. The circumstances of the theft were very suspicious. The car has never been seen since, and I suspect that it was destroyed.

Grundy paid the claim. The local community was shaken but not stirred!

The Gadget Car (chassis number DB5/1486/R): This car also belonged to Aston Martin and was used in the movies for all of the special effects.

All the gadgets were removed in 1968, and the car was sold to Jerry Lee in the United States. When Lee went to England to view the car, it looked very grim. Aston Martin spruced it up and Lee took it back to the States.

It was displayed at a few shows until it was damaged at a show in Memphis, Tenn. Lee was furious and vowed that it would never be displayed again.

In 1977, the chairman of Aston Martin USA asked Lee if he would allow the car to be displayed at the New York Auto Show. Aston Martin would pay for the gadgets to be reinstalled. It was a huge success and the car was displayed one more time in 1981. It now lives in a special wing of Lee's house and has never been publicly displayed since.

Publicity Car 1 (chassis number DB5/2017/R): This car was one of two built for Eon Productions at the staggering cost of $62,000 each when an original DB5 cost $11,250.

Eon sold it and its twin, DB5/2008/R, to Anthony Bamford in 1969. Bamford purchased both cars for $3,750 -- what a steal!

One year later, a friend of his, Sandy Luscombe-Whyte, asked Bamford to sell one of the cars to him. Luscombe-Whyte traded a 1964 Ferrari 250 GTO in a straight swap for the DB5. Bamford still has the Ferrari to this day -- it has to be worth about $10 million.

After four months of having fun with it, Luscombe-Whyte advertised the car in the Times newspaper in London. Frank Baker of Vancouver made him an offer he could not refuse: $21,600 and an all-expenses-paid trip on the QE2 to New York.

Luscombe-Whyte would deliver the car from Montreal, driving it across Canada to Vancouver.

Baker offered an additional two weeks' holiday on the West Coast.

The car spent the next 13 years on display outside Baker's Attic Restaurant in West Vancouver. Baker fell upon hard times in the early '80s and sold the car to Alf Spence.

Spence sold it to a consortium headed by Ernest Hartz of San Francisco. The DB5 was offered for sale; they were hoping to get $165,000 but received a high bid of $80,000.

The new owner was the racecar driver Bob Bondurant. He sold it one year later to Robert Pass of Pass Transportation. Five months later, Pass sold it to Robert Littman. When Littman discovered it was not the car used in the movies, he was very disappointed. It ended up in a Jaguar dealership in New Jersey.

In 1989 the dealership went into receivership. DB5/2017/R disappeared, only to surface in the Louman Collection in the National Automobile Museum, Raamadonksveer, Holland, where it remains until this day.

Publicity Car 2 (chassis number DB5/2008/R): Bamford kept the other car of the pair manufactured for Eon Productions and had some fun with it until the news of the sale of the Road Car hit the press.

It was 1971 and time to cash in. Bamford sold the car to Bruce Atchley, the owner of the Smoky Mountain Car Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Atchley wanted it for his son, Hugh.

The car was installed inside an iron-barred cage and was displayed from 1971 until 2006.

RM Auctions of Blenheim, Ont., was given the task of preparing the car in its workshop for sale, ensuring that all of the gadgets worked.

I was at the auction last month in Phoenix, Ariz. The car was driven into a darkened ballroom by Terry Lobzun of RM -- with the machine-guns omitting a rat-tat-tat just like in the movie -- to great fanfare and applause.

The hammer fell at $2.4 million. I have since learned that DB5/2008/R will have a new home in Switzerland.

For many years, all four cars resided in North America. The number has now been reduced to one, and that car is without question the only remaining survivor of the pair used in the original movies.

No other car has attracted so much attention for a combined 13 minutes of footage.

I have only touched the surface of this incredible story involving the four cars.

Dave Worrell has spent a lifetime researching this topic. If you have an interest in the Bond vehicles, reading his book is a must. For more information and details of how to order a copy, visit www.bondbooks.biz.

Nigel Matthews is the appraiser of vintage and collector cars for the Insurance Corp. of B.C.

Could drywall disaster boost the housing market?

2009-06-05T00:22:00.001-07:00

Though it may be hard to imagine now, defective drywall may end up being a good thing for the South Florida economy.

In the middle of a severe slump in the housing market, a recession, a locked-up credit market and a sea of foreclosures, the South Florida housing market is taking another hit.

Owners of newer homes are discovering corroding fixtures and suffering health problems they believe are the result of defective drywall imported from China during the housing boom.

''This is something that's only going to cause a more depressed value to the real estate that has this problem,'' Miami Realtor Alan Gabay said.

And nearby properties might become suspect, too. A home with Chinese drywall could have the same effect on the area as a foreclosure does: a drop in values and fears of the same problems.

''The timing of the manifestation is coinciding with the bust,'' said attorney Victor Diaz, who is suing on behalf of homeowners with suspect drywall. ``It's a catastrophe, particularly if it's one community built all at the same time.''

In the short term, this is probably true. But in the long run, some people think it could actually be a boon.

''It's really got us licking our chops,'' said Peter Zalewski, a principal with Condo Vultures. ``It's fantastic.''

The company is trying to research which communities -- condo buildings in particular -- are members of the Chinese drywall club.

''Ultimately, Chinese drywall means big discount. That's what buyers are looking for,'' he said. ``Think of it like a junkyard.''

Investors could end up buying condos in bulk at cut-rate prices, refurbishing them, then selling them at a profit, he said.

Despite the unknowns, Zalewski said, ``it's worth taking that risk.''

Zalewski pointed out that Biscayne Landing's high-end condos and shops in North Miami were built atop what was once declared an environmental disaster area by the Environmental Protection Agency. And units there sold -- although the condos came on line in 2007.

''I would almost make a case that if a property had this drywall, it's probably going to be safer than a property never accused of having it,'' he said. ``They're going to throw everything they have at that property just to wipe out any kind of doubt whatsoever.''

While refurbished condos may find buyers, there are concerns that many units built with the headache-inducing materials have yet to be discovered.

''There are a lot of projects that are sitting empty,'' said Gabay, an agent with Beachfront Realty. ``There might not even be a knowledge of it.''

Still, Gabay said if the matter is handled correctly, the condo industry could revert to a method of the past: selling units at preconstruction prices.

''It is going to be an opportunistic environment,'' he said.

Although the Florida Association of Realtors added a Chinese drywall disclosure to existing paperwork about known material defects in properties, it's an optional form, and the ideal is to repair properties and declare them problem-drywall free.

''I'm starting to get some inquiries from people that are thinking of doing this on their own,'' Parkland Mayor Michael Udine said. ``No one wants to do this if it's not going to be done right. We want to make sure we only do it one time.''

Once that protocol is established, the South Florida economy could get a boost from the resulting contracting needs.

Attorney Mark Blumstein, who has filed class-action lawsuits against imported drywall manufacturers, suppliers and home builders, said there's just one thing missing.

''Contractors are going to have to be put to work,'' he said. ``We're just looking for a funding mechanism.''